Rep. John Doolittle (R-Roseville) visited the Stonehouse Restaurant in Nevada City on Tuesday and expressed optimism about his campaign.

The longtime incumbent is running in a hot race against Democratic challenger Charlie Brown of Roseville to represent District 4.

At the luncheon hosted by the California Association of Business, Property and Resource Owners, Doolittle said he has been "very encouraged" by what he's seen on the campaign trail lately, adding that his bid for a ninth term in the U.S. House has been criticized by "carping leftists."

Doolittle discussed war in Iraq, the economy and other topics at the banquet held at the upper level of the restaurant. He said he "still believe(s) they will find the WMD" in Iraq and added there were other reasons to invade the country.

Doolittle also discussed the strength of the economy, saying, "Gasoline prices have plummeted."

He attacked his opponent, adding that his debate with Brown in Rocklin last week will soon appear on Doolittle's Web site. Under Doolittle's conditions, the debate was televised to only 20,000 Starstream cable subscribers, a small fraction of the district's voters.

At the Stonehouse, Doolittle fielded questions after his speech from the group of about 20 people. He responded to a question about denying he was the target of a U.S. Justice Department investigation by saying that he "denied that they (DOJ) ever interviewed me."

The Washington Post, citing unnamed sources this weekend, said "a federal task force that includes a dozen Justice Department prosecutors" is investigating Abramoff's dealings with congressional offices, including those of Doolittle and Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.).

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To reach staff writer Josh Singer, e-mail joshs@theunion.com or call 477-4234.