Sept. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Representative John Doolittle, with links to two separate Capitol Hill scandals, might be the poster child for Democratic claims that congressional Republicans have created a ``culture of corruption'' in Washington.

It doesn't seem to be working out that way. Less than two months before the midterm congressional elections, Doolittle is the favorite to retain his seat, thanks to his delivery of federal largesse to his northeastern California district, and to its Republican registration edge.

Doolittle's success so far -- the non-partisan Cook Political Report in Washington rates him a likely winner -- shows the difficulties facing Democrats as they seek to make Republican ethics a campaign issue. While corruption charges are contributing to a general anti-incumbent sentiment nationwide -- much as in 1994, when Republicans won control of Congress -- Democrats are having trouble wielding it effectively against entrenched incumbents such as Doolittle.

``Even if the `culture of corruption' tag sticks there, it's going to be tough because it's such a heavily Republican district,'' said Christopher Witko, an assistant professor of government at California State University, Sacramento.

The 55-year-old Doolittle is an eight-term House veteran who won at least 60 percent of the vote in his last six elections. The lawmaker has received $200,000 in campaign contributions from Brent Wilkes, a San Diego contractor who was an unindicted co- conspirator in the bribery case against imprisoned former Representative Randy ``Duke'' Cunningham, and disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who in January pleaded guilty to conspiring to corrupt public officials, and his associates.

Keeping the Contributions

At least 76 lawmakers who received Abramoff contributions, as well as President George W. Bush, have either returned the money or passed it on to charity. Not Doolittle. ``A lot of people took money from Abramoff,'' Doolittle said in an interview, explaining his decision to keep the contributions.

His Democratic opponent, Charlie Brown, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, called the donations ``dirty money'' in a press release and has urged Doolittle to return them.

A Brown leaflet cites the U.S. Air Force Academy honor code: ``We will not lie, cheat or steal nor tolerate those who do.'' Brown's first radio ads cite donations to Doolittle from Abramoff, ``the guy who admitted to bribing congressmen.''

Right and Wrong

``This is not about being a Democrat or Republican,'' Brown, 56, told prospective voters at a backyard pool gathering in Rocklin on Sept. 1. ``This is about right versus wrong.''

Democrats are hoping Abramoff's notoriety will play a role in their bid to unseat several Republicans with ties to the lobbyist. They include Representatives Richard Pombo of California, re-elected in 2004 with 62 percent of the vote; J.D. Hayworth of Arizona, who received 60 percent; and Charles Taylor of North Carolina, who polled 55 percent two years ago.

Two other House Republicans with links to Abramoff decided to leave Congress: Bob Ney of Ohio, who received 68 percent two years ago, and former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas, who was re-elected with 55 percent in 2004 and resigned in June while facing money-laundering charges in Texas.

In Doolittle's district, Republicans outnumber Democrats 5- 3, making a Brown upset difficult. ``Even though we're in a blue state, we're in a red area,'' said real-estate investor John Rayter of Rocklin. ``You need to reach the people who would normally vote for the Republican incumbent.''

Abramoff Contributions

Doolittle received $65,250 in contributions since 2000 from Abramoff, his associates and clients, according to the Federal Election Commission. In 2002, Doolittle wrote to the Interior Department opposing an Indian casino that would compete with one owned by an Abramoff client.

Doolittle's wife Julie, a professional fund-raiser, previously worked for Abramoff, as did former Doolittle aide Kevin Ring. Julie Doolittle also gets commissions for money she raises for her husband's campaign and political action committee.

Wilkes and his associates gave Doolittle $135,500 since 2001, more than they gave any other lawmaker. Doolittle helped obtain more than $37 million in federal contracts for a Wilkes company from 2002 to 2005, according to Washington-based Taxpayers for Common Sense.

Wilkes ``supported Doolittle, as he supported many of those in Congress, because he respects and trusts him,'' Wilkes lawyer Nancy Luque said.

Federal Funds

Doolittle denies any wrongdoing in his relationships with Abramoff and Wilkes. ``All Charlie Brown has are personal attacks against me and my wife,'' he said. The congressman says the voters on Nov. 7 will instead remember the federal funds he has brought to the district.

The lawmaker basked in support from local government and business leaders at an Aug. 31 barbecue in Oroville, north of Sacramento, that featured a silent auction of items such as shotgun shells and fishing rods.

``Congressman Doolittle builds bridges,'' Oroville City Councilman Steven Jernigan said. ``Look at his track record. I know there's a congressman out there looking out for the people.''

Similarly, Butte County Supervisor Bill Connelly cited funding to improve a dangerous intersection and a veterans' memorial. Oroville City Administrator Sharon Atteberry mentioned renovations to a downtown theater.

``These are just some of the things I've worked on for this district,'' Doolittle said.

Military Family

Brown, a gun owner and former Republican, is part of a three-generation military family. He retired from the Air Force after 26 years, including service in Vietnam and the first Persian Gulf war. His father, Stanley, fought with General George Patton. His son, Jeff, is an Air Force captain in Iraq and ferried Doolittle around during the lawmaker's visit there.

``It seems like Doolittle really has a stronghold,'' Mike Ilic, a school principal in Rocklin, told Brown at a recent campaign stop. ``Doolittle hasn't had serious opposition since 1994,'' Brown replied. ``The last 10 or 12 years, Democrats have pretty much been names on the ballot.''

Doolittle's campaign spent $1.1 million through June 30, Federal Election Commission records show. Brown raised $254,059 through June 30 and has almost doubled his total since then, spokesman Todd Stenhouse said.

Doolittle's scandal connections ``provide plenty of fodder for the Democrats,'' said Bob Benenson, political editor of Congressional Quarterly, which calls Doolittle a safe bet for re- election. ``The problem is: Is this a district where the Democrats can gain any traction?''

To contact the reporter on this story: Jonathan D. Salant in Sacramento at jsalant@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: September 12, 2006 10:51 EDT