"Rep. John Doolittle, R-Roseville, seems to think that federal investigators are looking into his family's political and financial entanglements for reasons other than the obvious -- his and his wife's real and troubling connections with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
In an opinion piece reprinted in the Forum section today and in a KFBK radio interview, Doolittle has claimed that a recent search by federal investigators of his family's Virginia home was an act of retaliation for his refusal to admit to a crime. He also suggested the timing of the raid was designed to beef up the credibility of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
Doolittle's creative theories fall into a well-studied pattern of political behavior. It is the "heated exaggeration, suspiciousness and conspiratorial fantasy" as described by Richard Hofstadter in his classic 1964 essay, "The Paranoid Style in American Politics." But in the midst of his political free-fall, Doolittle is attacking law enforcement agencies whose powers he has helped enhance countless times in his political life. It's an odd spectacle.
No one can say how all this will turn out, but one thing is indisputable: Doolittle has shown that his politics of "friends helping friends" is ethically bankrupt. Call it what you like, it is not effective public service. And bizarre accusations only make Doolittle less able to serve effectively."
Get the Story:Editorial: Doolittle probe: Persecution or prosecution? (The Sacramento Bee 5/13)
pwlat Rep. Doolittle Column:
Real justice lost in politicized investigation (The Sacramento Bee 5/13) Relevant Links:
Rep. John Doolittle - http://www.house.gov/doolittle Related Stories:
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)
