House GOP Leader Armey Starts Dornan Fund Drive

House Majority Leader Dick Armey is calling on fellow Republicans to chip in toward former Rep. Robert K. Dornan’s efforts to overturn his election defeat.

“Our friend, Bob Dornan, needs our help,” Armey wrote in a letter sent to GOP House members Thursday. “Bob has a legitimate case that deserves to be thoroughly investigated, but at a high price,” Armey wrote.

There is no contribution limit for election challenges, Armey said.

Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove) won the November election by 984 votes, but Dornan is challenging the results on grounds of voter fraud.

The House Oversight Committee and California Secretary of State Bill Jones are investigating Dornan’s allegations. Dornan has been critical of his party for failing to support him publicly.

Dornan said he was gratified to hear about the letter. More than a month ago, Democratic leaders sent colleagues a letter asking for $500 contributions for Sanchez.

Both camps expect legal bills for the election challenge to top $800,000.