Skip to content

Air Force Reservist May Drop Bomb on Doolittle

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

Recent Stories

Former Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, first woman on the Supreme Court, dies at 93

Members want $26 billion for programs the Pentagon didn’t seek

Expelling bee — Congressional Hits and Misses

Appeals court rejects Trump push to dismiss Jan. 6 suits from lawmakers, police

Photos of the week ending December 1, 2023

House expels Rep. George Santos