Doolittle promises changes
A slump in support at the polls last November has U.S. Rep. John Doolittle starting his new congressional term pledging a higher personal profile in District Four while dropping his wife as campaign fundraiser.
In a broad-ranging statement, Doolittle outlined Thursday what he described as "charting a new course" that will emphasize accountability, openness and accessibility.
"After winning my election with less than 50 percent of the vote, I recognize that change is needed in order for me to rebuild the trust and support of my constituents," Doolittle said.
One major move is to hire a new fundraiser for his campaigning. Doolittle, R-Roseville, drew fire from opponents as well as Republicans after employing his wife, Julie, as his principal fundraiser and paying her a 15 percent commission.
Doolittle spokesman Richard Robinson said that the new fundraiser, Washington, D.C.'s Aventum, had been hired for work on the campaign before the end of the Nov. 7 election campaign.
Opponents in the primary and mid-term elections hammered Doolittle on his absences from the district. Doolittle's response at the time was that his staff was providing the input he needed.
After seeing a drop in voter support from about 66 percent to 49 percent from the previous election, Doolittle said he's revamping that stance in an attempt to be more receptive to his constituents' needs.
Charlie Brown, the Democratic Party challenger in the last election, said that, ultimately, Doolittle's actions will speak louder than his words.
"It is time for a new era of accountability, responsible leadership and constructive dialogue for the people of California's Fourth District," Brown said. "I truly hope that John Doolittle is genuine in his desire to serve honorably and in good faith for all of the people he is privileged to represent."
Plans call for:
* More district visits to meet community leaders, attend local events and solicit input.
* Town-hall meetings throughout the district.
* Satellite offices - some in government buildings - that won't be permanently staffed but provide a meeting place for staff, himself and constituents.
* A door-to-door neighborhood contact program that will see Doolittle and his staff actively asking residents for input on issues. In rural areas too difficult to go door-to-door in, the congressman plans phone calls.
* Quarterly meetings with newspaper editorial boards in the district and weekly media conference calls.
* Posting the congressman's schedule on his Web site for his time in both California and Washington.
* Advisory committees made up of veterans, seniors, small business owners, law enforcement and others.
Doolittle said that he's also intent on working with all constituents, whether Republican or Democrat "conservative or liberal or a supporter or an opponent or supporter to seek common ground."
Brown, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, and Auburn City Councilman Mike Holmes, who Doolittle defeated in the Republican primary, have both been invited to be members of a veterans advisory committee, he said.
Brown said that he was contacted by Doolittle earlier in the day about the committee.
"It is unfortunate that it has taken Mr. Doolittle 16 years to realize how important these issues are to millions of families across the country," Brown said.
One of the Republicans Doolittle sought advice from before making the announcement, newly elected GOP Central Committee Chairman Tom Hudson said increased exposure for the congressman should serve him well because so many newcomers to the growing district have only heard allegations made by opponents. During the campaign, Doolittle was criticized for his connections to lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Doolittle has said he has done nothing illegal or unethical.
"The main thing I told him is people would like to see and hear more from him," Hudson said. "He's been active in the Republican leadership in Washington and that's been a tremendous boon for the district but that has made it difficult for him to spend more time here."
After the election, Doolittle stepped down from the Republican Congressional Secretary post - the sixth most powerful in the House.
"He's an honest and straightforward guy who doesn't always tell you what you would like to hear - he's a straight shooter and that doesn't necessarily come across in a campaign mailing," Hudson said.
http://doolittle.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=55354