The Rocklin Republican is under investigation for his ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and very nearly lost his seat in 2006.
 
Sacramento State Public Policy Professor Bob Waste says 2008 might be déjà vu.
 
Waste: “That was a very competitive race last year between challenger Charlie Brown and Congressman Doolittle.  It looks like it’s gonna be far tighter this year, and Doolittle still may face some challenges within the Republican ranks – particularly, Assemblyman Ted Gaines.”
 
Doolittle has been out-raised so far by both Brown and another Republican challenger, Eric Egland.
 
But he’s said he won’t step down and will run for a 10th term in Washington.