Doolittle's troubles

The Sacramento News & Review says California Rep. John Doolittle's career is over, no matter what happens with the FBI's investigation into wife Julie Doolittle's fund-raising business and its connections to jailed lobbyist Jack Abramoff. In a particularly harsh assessment of the embattled Republican, the newspapers says:

"Whatever the ultimate outcome of the U.S. Department of Justice's ongoing investigation ... it's been going on for three years now--clearly his political career is over. Even if he and his wife unexpectedly locate some loophole to avoid indictment or imprisonment for the two corruption cases in which their fund-raising activities are inextricably entangled, the Doolittles' unsavory skimming of campaign contributions and personally pocketing more than a quarter-million dollars have forever finished off their reputations among their own conservative kith and kin."

Ouch. The article also includes a mockopoly game to track the various demi-scandals and intrigue surrounding Doolittle. The congressman, meanwhile, maintains he intends to run for reelection next year, with the caveat that the FBI shadow may change his mind. As for the search of his Virginia home, Doolittle has said: "While I do not think the search of our home was necessary, I do believe it will demonstrate that she has been completely forthcoming and has had real clients with real work."