It's Party Time In California ...
...the Republican Party, that is.
One of the most conservative gatherings in the state took place, and one of the speakers was Rep. John Doolittle, the Roseville, California Republican who had his Virginia home raided by the F.B.I. and has had his staff and documents subpoenaed in the Justice Department investigation of his ties to Jack Abramoff. Here's the story from today's Sacramento Bee:
In a hotel ballroom "full of longtime friends," embattled Roseville Rep. John Doolittle on Saturday spoke of a "Hundred Years' War" against "radical Islam," recited bedrock Republican principles and courted delegates of one of California's most stoutly conservative political organizations.
But while Doolittle was the featured lunch speaker at the Sacramento state convention of the California Republican Assembly, one declared GOP challenger for his 4th District congressional seat and a likely third candidate also addressed the delegates and worked the crowd. ...
Fears the GOP could lose the seat were stirred by Doolittle's 49 percent to 46 percent 2006 victory over Democrat Charlie Brown, after 14 years of winning with 60 percent support or more.
Brown is running again, as Doolittle fends off a Justice Department investigation into his ties with disgraced Washington, D.C., lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The probe has included an FBI raid on Doolittle's Virginia home and subpoenas of staff members and documents.
But here's the fun part:
Doolittle, who has disparaged his challengers as "weasels" and said he is determined to win re-election, downplayed the race in speaking to the convention.
"I didn't come to talk to you today about my campaign," he said. "All I've ever tried to do as an elected official was to do my best to make the world a better place. It will be up to the electorate to decide if I or someone else continues in this position."
In his speech, he likened a prolonged war against terrorism to the medieval Hundred Years' War. He also touted "protecting references to God in our culture and government," protecting the unborn, stopping illegal immigration and rolling back the Endangered Species Act.
Great speech, just what that branch of the GOP loves to hear, usually. This time around, however, things might be different. Mr. Doolittle actually has a real primary opponent, one who is just a little concerned about the outrageous spending habits of Congress. And he got to speak to the crowd as well. Mr. Doolittle, you see, happens to like the earmark process:
Doolittle has acknowledged putting in a $37 million earmark for Brent Wilkes, a San Diego defense contractor who – with his wife – contributed $15,000 to Doolittle. Wilkes was later found guilty of bribing former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham in an unrelated case.
That's going to be a fun primary to watch. Pass the popcorn.
One of the most conservative gatherings in the state took place, and one of the speakers was Rep. John Doolittle, the Roseville, California Republican who had his Virginia home raided by the F.B.I. and has had his staff and documents subpoenaed in the Justice Department investigation of his ties to Jack Abramoff. Here's the story from today's Sacramento Bee:
In a hotel ballroom "full of longtime friends," embattled Roseville Rep. John Doolittle on Saturday spoke of a "Hundred Years' War" against "radical Islam," recited bedrock Republican principles and courted delegates of one of California's most stoutly conservative political organizations.
But while Doolittle was the featured lunch speaker at the Sacramento state convention of the California Republican Assembly, one declared GOP challenger for his 4th District congressional seat and a likely third candidate also addressed the delegates and worked the crowd. ...
Fears the GOP could lose the seat were stirred by Doolittle's 49 percent to 46 percent 2006 victory over Democrat Charlie Brown, after 14 years of winning with 60 percent support or more.
Brown is running again, as Doolittle fends off a Justice Department investigation into his ties with disgraced Washington, D.C., lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The probe has included an FBI raid on Doolittle's Virginia home and subpoenas of staff members and documents.
But here's the fun part:
Doolittle, who has disparaged his challengers as "weasels" and said he is determined to win re-election, downplayed the race in speaking to the convention.
"I didn't come to talk to you today about my campaign," he said. "All I've ever tried to do as an elected official was to do my best to make the world a better place. It will be up to the electorate to decide if I or someone else continues in this position."
In his speech, he likened a prolonged war against terrorism to the medieval Hundred Years' War. He also touted "protecting references to God in our culture and government," protecting the unborn, stopping illegal immigration and rolling back the Endangered Species Act.
Great speech, just what that branch of the GOP loves to hear, usually. This time around, however, things might be different. Mr. Doolittle actually has a real primary opponent, one who is just a little concerned about the outrageous spending habits of Congress. And he got to speak to the crowd as well. Mr. Doolittle, you see, happens to like the earmark process:
Doolittle has acknowledged putting in a $37 million earmark for Brent Wilkes, a San Diego defense contractor who – with his wife – contributed $15,000 to Doolittle. Wilkes was later found guilty of bribing former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham in an unrelated case.
That's going to be a fun primary to watch. Pass the popcorn.
Labels: Corruption, Earmarks, Election 2008
posted by Diane at 12:42 PM
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