One down...

... 230 more to go.

Representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham, battling real estate scandals, has announced that he will NOT run for re-election in 2006. From the Washington Post:

The announcement made Cunningham, 63, the first casualty of a growing controversy over the ethical conduct of a number of senior House members, including Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.). Democrats have vowed to try to use the issue before next year's midterm elections to make a broad case against Republican abuse of power, but Republicans say Democrats are equally vulnerable.

And like a true Republican, he's got excuses and one hell of a spin:

"I fully recognize that I showed poor judgment when I sold my home in Del Mar to a friend who did business with the government," Cunningham told supporters. "I should have given more thought to how such a transaction might look to those who don't know me. I have spent an entire life building a reputation of integrity and honesty. It pains me beyond words that I have jeopardized your trust."

Hah! I scoff.

Oh, have I mentioned? Rep. Cunningham's from 50th congressional district, in California. Depending on how the San Diego region is in 2006, it's a very very very good shot at another one of 'em dirty GoOPers.

For background on the Cunningham scandal, read the Wiki on him, the LA Times, or the NYTimes article.

Speaking of troubled Republicans... Arnold Schwarzenegger had made some sort of advertising deal shortly before becoming the Gubernator of California. The LA Times carried this story on the front page... the NYTimes carried it today.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, who refused a state salary when he became governor, stands to earn at least $5 million under previously undisclosed terms of a contract with a group of fitness magazines, an agreement that critics called an apparent conflict of interest Thursday...

That is attracting scrutiny because Mr. Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill last year that would have tried to restrict the use of performance-enhancing supplements by high school athletes. The governor, a Republican, said he vetoed the bill because it focused on dietary supplements, most of which he said were safe, instead of ensuring that students avoided illegal steroids.

Of course he'd know about dietary supplements, right?

Mr. DeLay, you're next.