As nervous Republicans ponder the shaky political stature of Rep. John Doolittle (R), at least one is openly contemplating challenging the Congressman in the GOP primary next June.

Eric Egland (R), an Air Force reservist, told the Sacramento Bee last week that he is “seriously considering” a bid because he fears Doolittle — who has been linked to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and has taken political heat for paying his wife with campaign funds — cannot hold the conservative Sacramento-area seat.

“The main concern of our district is that if Doolittle wins the primary, we will lose the seat to Cindy Sheehan Democrat Charlie Brown,” Egland told the Bee.

Brown, an Air Force veteran, finished just 3 points behind Doolittle in 2006 and is trying again this cycle.

Egland apparently has earned the support of Steve Schmidt, the powerful Republican consultant who has worked for President Bush, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the National Republican Congressional Committee, among others.

Several current and former Republican elected officials also are said to be contemplating a race against Doolittle next year.

— Josh Kurtz