Rep. John Doolittle (R-California) announced his re-election campaign on Thursday, acknowledging the Jack Abramoff scandal may be an issue for voters.

Doolittle is one of several lawmakers said to be under investigation. He accepted over $100,000 in campaign contributions from Abramoff, Abramoff's associates and Abramoff's clients and took actions on behalf of Abramoff's interests.

In one case, he pressed the Interior Department to resolve a leadership within the Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa so the tribe could reopen its casino. But he has repeatedly said he is an opponent of gaming. In another case, he inserted comments into the Congressional record that praised the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, a gaming tribe.

Doolittle has denied any wrongdoing. He is one the few lawmakers who hasn't return money he received from Abramoff, whom he considers a friend.

Get the Story:
Doolittle to run for ninth term in Congress (The Sacramento Bee 2/23)
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Doolittle Announces Re-Election Bid (KXTV 2/23)
Congressman linked to Abramoff scandal announces re-election bid (AP 2/23)

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