Controversies
On September 20, 2006, the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) a group headed by former Democratic Congressional staffer Melanie Sloan, released its second annual report on the most corrupt members of Congress, titled "Beyond DeLay: The 20 Most Corrupt Members of Congress (and five to watch)". Doolittle was one of the 20. The organization said "His ethics issues stem from his wife’s relationship to his campaign and political action committees, as well as campaign contributions and personal financial benefits he accepted from those who sought his legislative assistance." He was also listed in CREW's subsequent 2007 and 2008 reports. On June 11, 2010 the U.S. Attorney announced that after a 4 year investigation they had closed its case against Congressman Doolittle and would not pursue charges. Doolittle, who had consistently denied wrongdoing, expressed regret that so many lives and careers had been impacted by the misguided investigation that forced him from office but indicated relief that it was finally over.
Read more about this topic: John Doolittle