Doolittle Raided

ABC News’ Paul Fidalgo Reports: One day after an FBI raid on his Virginia home was made public, Rep. John Doolittle, R-Calif., announced Thursday that he would take a temporary leave of absence from his seat on the House Appropriations Committee.

Doolittle’s home was raided as part of an Department of Justice investigation into dealings by the Congressman and his wife, Julie Doolittle, with convicted Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff. 

Doolittle has been the recipient of campaign contributions from Abramoff.  Mrs. Doolittle’s company, Sierra Dominion Financial Solutions, was retained by Abramoff’s firm for event planning work from 2002 to 2004.

In a letter to House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, explaining his decision, Doolittle wrote, "I understand how the most recent circumstances may lead some to question my tenure on the Appropriations Committee.  Therefore, I feel it may be in the best interest of the House that I take a temporary leave with seniority from this Committee, until this matter can be resolved."

Responding to the letter, Boehner, who appeared Thursday at an event with President Bush in Ohio, said in a statement, "John recognizes that if we are to succeed in restoring trust between the American people and their elected leaders, this action is necessary and I commend him for having the courage to do the right thing."