Rep. John Doolittle (R-California) dropped his re-election plans on Thursday amid scrutiny over his ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Doolittle said he wanted to retire so that he and his wife, Julia, can return to a private life. He did not mention that he and Julia have been under investigation by the Department of Justice.
Doolittle inserted comments into the Congressional Record that praised the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Abramoff's biggest client, despite being opposed to gaming. He also wrote to former Interior secretary Gale Norton to seek the reopening of the Meskwaki Tribe's casino.
Doolittle's wife, Julia, used to do consulting work for Abramoff.
Get the Story:GOP Congressman Tied To Abramoff Will Retire (The Washington Post 1/11)
pwpwd
Congressman in Inquiry on Lobbying Will Retire (The New York Times 1/11)
pwnyt Relevant Links:
Rep. John Doolittle - http://www.house.gov/doolittle Related Stories:
Ex-Rep. Pombo urges Rep. Doolittle not to run (1/9)
Rep. Doolittle subject of re-election rumors (1/8)
Aides to Rep. Doolittle testify before grand jury (09/06)
Rep. Doolittle aides hit with grand jury subpoenas (9/5)
Rep. Doolittle not worried about ex-aides and DOJ (06/29)
DOJ contacts another ex-aide to Rep. Doolittle (6/28)
Ex-aide to Rep. Doolittle cooperating with DOJ (6/26)
Editorial: Rep. Doolittle ethically bankrupt (05/14)
Rep. Doolittle and wife allege DOJ intimidation (5/10)
Rep. Doolittle fires back at DOJ over FBI raid (5/8)
Rep. Doolittle says Democrat raided over Abramoff (5/4)
Rep. Doolittle gives up Appropriations seat (4/20)
FBI raids home of lawmaker linked to Abramoff (4/19)
Former Abramoff associate resigns from law firm (04/17)
Rep. Doolittle won't return convicted lobbyist's cash (4/4)
Rep. Doolittle's wife benefited from DeLay, Abramoff (03/20)
Ex-DeLay aide admits to fleecing wealthy tribes (4/4)
Ex-DeLay aide charged with corruption conspiracy (3/31)
Rep. Doolittle thought Abramoff did a great job for tribes (03/03)
Rep. Doolittle seeks re-election amid Abramoff scandal (2/24)
Rep. Doolittle praised Mississippi Choctaws (2/20)
Rep. Doolittle defends aid for Meskwaki Tribe (02/13)
Congressman returns money to Mississippi Choctaws (2/1)
Rep. Doolittle won't respond to Abramoff story (01/31)
Rep. Doolittle pressed DOI for Abramoff's tribes (01/30)
Tribal political donations under scrutiny in Washington (01/31)
California Congressman admits to liking Abramoff (01/24)
McCain blames both parties for 'out of control' lobbying (01/23)
Abramoff not in NIGA's camp but lobbyist came close (01/19)
Writer paid to praise Choctaws, Abramoff clients (12/16)
Opinion: Abramoff investigation hasn't gone far enough (12/7)
House Democrat leader seeks Abramoff-GOP probe (01/13)
Not all lawmakers are getting rid of Abramoff cash (01/06)
California Congressman linked to Jack Abramoff (11/30)
Abramoff probe spreads to members of Congress (11/28)
Abramoff probe looking into Congress, Bush (11/25)
Column: Here's the Abramoff thirtysomething (11/22)
Lawmakers intervened on behalf of Abramoff (11/17)
