Duke Cunningham (R-CA50), one of the loudest right-wing bombers in Washington, proved today that he can dish it out--
but can't take it.
Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-Calif.) announced today that he will step down at the end of the 109th Congress as the FBI continues to investigate the lawmaker's ties to a defense contractor whose company earned millions in government military contracts.
Cunningham made the announcement Thursday afternoon on the campus of Cal State San Marcos and said he will not vacate the seat immediately.
{...]
Cunningham told the assembled media that it would be too difficult to do his job and defend his reputation while also running for reelection.
"Regardless of what my critics say, I did nothing wrong," Cunningham said.
Cunningham informed House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) of his intentions earlier in the week, said Hastert spokesman Ron Bonjean.
Congressional Republicans initially supported Cunningham, but grumbles had increased within the conference this week that the lawmaker should step down.
Just a few days after saying that he was "absolutely" in the hunt for a ninth term.
It's been a REALLY bad week for the California Repubs--first Ahnold vetoes a bill that would harm his secondary employer, now this.
One question, though--does this dampen Francine Busby's chances of taking the seat? It looks ridiculously Repub on paper, but Barbara Boxer actually won the district last fall--against Bill Jones, a guy considerably more moderate than Cunningham.