Top Democratic leaders are trying to recruit a candidate to run against Rep. Richard Pombo (R-California), the well-liked chairman of the House Resources Committee.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California) is personally trying to get California Assemblywoman Barbara Matthews to run, the San Joaquin News Service reports.
Matthews enjoys strong support in a district that is heavily Republican.
There aren't many tribes in the district but Pombo has gained the support of tribes nationwide through his chairmanship of the committee. He has raised $40,000 from tribes so far this year, according to news reports.
Get the Story:Aide says Matthews pushed to face Pombo (San Joaquin News Service 6/9) Relevant Links:
Rep. Richard Pombo - http://www.house.gov/pombo
House Resources Committee - http://resourcescommittee.house.gov Related Stories:
Pombo brings off-reservation hearing to California (6/7)
Pombo continues hearings on off-reservation gaming (05/02)
Pombo collected $40K from tribes so far this year (04/25)
Pombo asked again to investigate Abramoff (04/15)
House committee takes up off-reservation gaming (03/18)
Off-reservation gaming hearing set by Pombo (3/15)
Congress steps into off-reservation casino fight (3/14)
Pombo circulates draft of off-reservation bill (3/11)
Pombo took on controversial topics in 108th Congress (12/16)