A New Day For California Republicans

By Alan Gray, NewsBlaze

Under investigation for a lobbying scandal, Republican Congressman John Doolittle (Roseville, California), announced today that he will not seek re-election.

"I am honored to represent such a great state and district in the 110th Session of the US House of Representatives. I plan to complete my term and finish my congressional service at the conclusion of this Congress."

"My wife, Julie, and I have made this decision after much prayer and deliberation. It was not my initial intent to retire, and I fully expected and planned to run again right up until very recently. But it distilled upon us that we were ready for a change after spending almost our entire married lives with me in public service. We are at peace with this choice and look forward to starting a new chapter in our lives."

Eric Egland, Congressional candidate for the Roseville seat, released the following statement regarding John Doolittle's retirement announcement:

"It's a great day for Republicans. We can finally move beyond scandal and return to talking about the issues. I wish the Doolittle family well."

"As this race enters a new phase, I will continue to lead the charge to clean up Washington. After speaking with hundreds of voters, I know that they are fed up with politics as usual. They won't stand for a simple shuffle among the career politicians. They want a new direction."

"In recent days, we've heard a lot of talk coming out of Iowa and New Hampshire about creating change in Washington."

"While talk of change is healthy for our democracy, today I'm reminded that true change starts with those who have the courage to stand up to the political Goliaths of the world."

www.EricEgland.com

Doolittle thanked his friends and supporters who, he said, "...stuck with us through all these years and as we campaigned in four elections to the State Senate and nine to the House of Representatives."