Calvin Dooley

When it came to a House vote last Friday on curbing the powers of the Environmental Protection Agency, California Rep. Calvin Dooley lined up with the environmentalists and helped hand them a stunning victory. By Friday night, his phone was ringing. By Monday morning, he had changed his mind. When it was all over, the Republicans had reversed a humiliating defeat.

Rep. Calvin M. Dooley of Hanford, a Democrat from the Central Valley who has tried to push his party toward the political center, announced Tuesday he would not seek reelection to Congress in 2004. Dooley, surprising many supporters, said he would retire after seven terms in the House to pursue a new career and to make way for fresh talent in the district as he turns 50 in January. "It is time to allow others to serve," Dooley said.

They may live in a trend-setting state where the latest is invariably the greatest, but California voters have displayed a stubborn allegiance to tried and tested members of Congress, reelecting incumbents at a rate that could discourage the heartiest of challengers. Since 1982, when the current boundaries for the state's 45 congressional districts were drawn, only one incumbent on the general election ballot--Jerry Patterson in Orange County--has been unseated.

When it came to a House vote last Friday on curbing the powers of the Environmental Protection Agency, California Rep. Calvin Dooley lined up with the environmentalists and helped hand them a stunning victory. By Friday night, his phone was ringing. By Monday morning, he had changed his mind. When it was all over, the Republicans had reversed a humiliating defeat.

Rep. Calvin M. Dooley of Hanford, a Democrat from the Central Valley who has tried to push his party toward the political center, announced Tuesday he would not seek reelection to Congress in 2004. Dooley, surprising many supporters, said he would retire after seven terms in the House to pursue a new career and to make way for fresh talent in the district as he turns 50 in January. "It is time to allow others to serve," Dooley said.

VOTE SITS WELL: Reports continue trickling in about the deals, threats and sweet-talking used by Clinton forces to corral a bare majority for his deficit-reduction plan in the House. Vice President Al Gore went after Rep. Calvin Dooley (D-Visalia), who was on the fence until he decided to vote yes at the eleventh hour. Was he promised a new dam or courthouse?

Here is how members of the California delegation voted on the proposal to reduce funding for the National Endowment for the Arts: Democrats--Of the 26 Democrats, 23 voted against the cut. Two, Gary A. Condit (Ceres) and Calvin Dooley (Fresno), voted for it. Mel Levine (Santa Monica) did not vote. Republicans--Of the 19 Republicans, 16 voted for the cut. Voting against it were Randy (Duke) Cunningham (San Diego), Jerry Lewis (Redlands) and Bill Lowery (San Diego).

Republican Gov. Pete Wilson announced Monday that he has appointed a former Central Valley GOP assemblyman who was defeated in a congressional race to a $101,000-a-year position on a state board. Trice Harvey, who ran for Congress after term limits forced him out of the Assembly this year, was named to the Agricultural Labor Relations Board, Wilson's office announced. The appointment is subject to state Senate confirmation. Harvey ran unsuccessfully Nov.

The Immigration and Naturalization Service has ruled that recently legalized aliens receiving assistance as a result of the devastating Christmas freeze will not be barred from obtaining legal residence in the United States. The ruling is being called a first step toward getting farm workers assistance after tumbling temperatures devastated the citrus industry and threw up to 15,000 out of work. To date, no public assistance has been available.

How the California delegation voted on the farm bill approved Thursday by the House: Republicans voting yes: (9) Mary Bono (Palm Springs), Randy "Duke" Cunningham (San Diego), Wally Herger (Marysville), Stephen Horn (Long Beach), Duncan Hunter (Alpine), Doug Ose (Sacramento), Richard W. Pombo (Tracy), George P. Radonovich (Mariposa), William M. Thomas (Bakersfield). Democrats voting yes: (8) Joe Baca (Rialto), Gary A. Condit (Ceres), Bob Filner (San Diego), Grace F.

They may live in a trend-setting state where the latest is invariably the greatest, but California voters have displayed a stubborn allegiance to tried and tested members of Congress, reelecting incumbents at a rate that could discourage the heartiest of challengers. Since 1982, when the current boundaries for the state's 45 congressional districts were drawn, only one incumbent on the general election ballot--Jerry Patterson in Orange County--has been unseated.

Re "Medicare Drug Program May Harm, Not Help, GOP," Jan. 21 The Medicare drug plan may harm the GOP, but it should harm the 27 Democrats who voted for it. This legislation could not have passed without the support of some Democrats. In the House of Representatives, 16 Democrats supported Plan D, and in the Senate, 11 Democrats cast "yes" votes. Two of these Democrats are from California: Rep. Calvin Dooley from Hanford and Sen. Dianne Feinstein. With Democratic legislators such as these, it is no wonder that Democrats are disillusioned with the people representing them in Congress.