Wow, Doolittle’s getting it from members of his own party now.

Political pressure on GOP Rep. John Doolittle grew Wednesday as a fellow California House Republican said it would be best if Doolittle didn’t run for re-election.

GOP Rep. John Campbell of Orange County became the first House member to say publicly Wednesday what other lawmakers and aides are saying privately – that Doolittle should step aside and not run for re-election.

“I am very concerned about the situation in that district and our ability to comfortably hold what is a safe Republican district,” Campbell said in an interview with The Associated Press.

“Certainly the polling shows that he’s in a difficult position and I do think it would be best if he didn’t seek re-election,” Campbell said.

Here’s the good news: Doolittle’s response.

Doolittle was defiant in a written statement responding to Campbell’s comments.

“I hope John Campbell never has to experience what Julie and I have been going through the past 3 and a quarter years,” he said. “If he ever does, he will truly understand how frustrating it can be for people to attack your honor and integrity.”

And the chair of the Republican delegation in California, himself a target in 2008, came running to Doolittle’s aid:

The head of the California Republican House delegation, Rep. David Dreier, R-San Dimas, offered words of support Wednesday.

“It’s up to John Doolittle and John Doolittle says he’s running for re-election,” Dreier said. “And obviously he’s got lots of challenges with which he’s trying to deal, but he’s a good, hardworking member and we’ll see what happens. It’s very early on.”

Expect “Dreier and Doolittle: Perfect Together” to come up in CA-26 messaging.

I love “Republicans in disarray” stories, don’t you?

This just keep getting better.  Doolittle had another conference call with reporters today about the FBI raid on his house.  He repeated that accusations that the raid had to do with rehabbing Gonzales’s reputation and went one further, into bat-shit crazy talk. SacBee

But it wasn’t Republicans trying to do the rehabilitating, Doolittle said. It was embedded Democratic staffers in the Justice Department who were responsible because of the party’s “Republican culture of corruption” campaign.

I mean really…who the heck actually believes that there are Democratic staffers in Justice any more?  I thought that the “Monica problem” got all of them out of there.  How the heck would Democrats benefit from improving Abu’s reputation?  That is just preposterous.  Doolittle is really flailing here.

“The sharks are starting to circle” says one Doolittle supporter and local activist.  The likelihood that Doolittle will face a primary challenger, at the very least, is increasing.  The insider rag Roll Call has the juicy details.

Political support for Rep. John Doolittle (R-Calif.) is beginning to erode, with Republicans in his district predicting he will face a credible primary challenger next year if his legal woes continue and he does not abandon his vow to run for re-election.

Originally silent or supportive following an FBI raid of Doolittle’s Virginia home last month, a growing number of Republican activists in the Sacramento-area 4th district have decided they can no longer support the Congressman and are beginning to explore backing other candidates.

Support for Doolittle is weakening, but he still is holding on, fighting with everything he has to stay in office.  He has been writing op-eds, making radio apperances and has now sent out a 14-point memo to his supporters on how to talk about the raid.  Just like his op-ed, he is deliberately encouraging speculation about the timing and motive of the raid.  Heck, he is even referencing a Tom Delay statement about the Justice Department “running amok. Fish or cut bait.”

Roll Call sez that his second quarter fundraising is going to be crucial.  He is already $140,000 down to Charlie Brown, due to his own debts and anemic fundraising.  If his eroding support turns into weak numbers, then the chances of a strong primary candidate will rise.  He still owns the local machine and there is no reason to declare him dead yet, just bleeding.  Hence the sharks.

Sources say Doolittle’s fate could hinge on his second-quarter Federal Election Commission report and how much money he raises at a scheduled May 31 fundraiser that is one of the marquee events the Congressman holds annually in his district. Doolittle has held the Dixieland Jazz Jubilee almost every year since 1981, and Robinson said all signs point to the event in Folsom being successful.

If the fundraiser goes poorly and Doolittle’s overall second-quarter numbers are weak, potential primary challengers might seize on those facts as proof that support for the Congressman has waned to the point that they have no choice but to enter the race or risk allowing the seat to fall into Democratic hands. In fact, some knowledgeable Republicans believe Doolittle’s fate is already sealed.

“Realistically, he can’t run again. He won’t win,” said one California Republican familiar with Doolittle’s district. “As each day progresses it’s going to get tougher on him.”

Doolittle certainly can run again, in fact that is exactly what he is planning on, come hell or high water.  No potential primary challenger has appeared yet.  Remember that the primary for Congressional races is not until June.  Only the Presidential races and a few initiatives will be on the ballot February 5th.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Meanwhile Charlie Brown is moving full steam ahead.  I shot a clip of him thanking everybody for supporting him during the DfA vote.  Here is the clip.  Sorry about all of the black.  I should really go back and fix that…

Go reward good behavior.  Give to Charlie.

(You can also give money to Jerry and Charlie via the Calitics ActBlue page. – promoted by Brian Leubitz)

Just hit the inbox:

Many have asked if I’m planning to run again. In 2006, I learned how much money and manpower it takes to put together a winning campaign, and how having those resources in place as early as possible is crucial for anyone seeking to take on an entrenched and well-funded incumbent like Doolittle.

That’s why I’ve recently re-formed my campaign committee–to see if enough support exists to warrant another candidacy, and why I am asking you to consider making a contribution to Charlie Brown for Congress today.

Full email after the jump with info on an upcoming blog chat with our Blue America friends.

Lasting change requires dedication–it means staying on offense.

I have spent much of the past few weeks reflecting on the `06 race, staying connected with supporters, and looking forward to the future.

Already, there are hopeful signs of the change in direction that we fought for. The new Congress has rolled up its sleeves, and is putting results ahead of partisanship—especially on issues like Energy Independence, Stem Cell Research, Ethics Reform, raising the Minimum Wage, making college more affordable, lowering drug prices for seniors, and standing up to the administration’s bungled Iraq war policy.

Despite a recent PR offensive designed to convince us otherwise, it is disappointing to note that on each of these key issues Rep. Doolittle has stood for the status quo instead of solutions.

Many have asked if I’m planning to run again. In 2006, I learned how much money and manpower it takes to put together a winning campaign, and how having those resources in place as early as possible is crucial for anyone seeking to take on an entrenched and well-funded incumbent like Doolittle.

That’s why I’ve recently re-formed my campaign committee–to see if enough support exists to warrant another candidacy, and why I am asking you to consider making a contribution to Charlie Brown for Congress today.

Click Here to Contribute Now!
*Note the Federal Contribution Limits have been raised to $2,300.

Ultimately, I know that strong early fundraising will show the media, activists and national party folks that 2006 was no fluke—getting them involved earlier and more substantially than before. Most importantly, it will help put more boots on the ground early to build on the tremendous grassroots organization we’ve already created. Remember, the margin in November was just 9,000 votes—down from 75,000 four years earlier.

Click Here to Contribute Now!

On Iraq, flood control, Immigration, the financial crisis facing rural schools, climate change, veterans aftercare, and so many other issues, the stakes have never been higher. We cannot afford to be complacent. We must stay on offense and be willing to lead the way.

Click Here to Help Lead the Way!

In Iraq for example, the re-packaged “stay the course” escalation recently proposed by President Bush and supported by Doolittle does nothing to address the core political problems that are fueling sectarian violence. Having dedicated my life to defending this country, I know that putting more brave young Americans in the crosshairs of an increasingly bloody civil war is not a plan for victory.

That’s why I have joined the in calling on the President to support a real change of course in Iraq: a diplomatic surge that promotes political reconciliation and involves direct talks with regional stakeholders, a phased re-deployment of U.S. forces that puts Iraqis in charge of their own internal security, and a renewed focus on defeating the real enemy—Al Qaeda.

While I consider the possibility of another candidacy, know that I will continue to speak out for real change, real solutions, and real accountability from Washington.

Accordingly, on Saturday (Feb. 3rd), I will be participating in my first live blog chat since the election at Firedoglake.com at 11 a.m. PST. I hope you will take the time to log on and join us if you can.

Finally, I am asking all of you to continue strengthening the voice for accountable, ethical representation district-wide by educating and recruiting new activists, participating in town hall meetings and local government hearings, registering new voters, and staying actively involved in civic affairs—both inside and outside of politics.

Together, we’ve proven that each of us has the capacity to be an agent of change. Our work is not at an end, but a new beginning, and the stakes have never been higher.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Keep Fighting,

Charlie

P.S. Please forward this message to five friends!