Ex-lawmaker Issa to launch a bid for return to Congress

Deep-pocketed Darrell Issa is poised to attempt a return to Congress to replace a fellow Republican.

Issa has called a news conference today, where he’s expected to announce a bid for the Southern California seat held by U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter. Hunter is running for a seventh term while facing charges of siphoning campaign funds for personal use.

Issa will appear with several other Republicans, including retired Navy SEAL Larry Wilske, who told The Associated Press that Issa informed him that he was running.

Issa's entry puts Hunter in an increasingly difficult position, given Issa's wealth and long record as one of former President Barack Obama's chief antagonists in Congress, which could play well in one of Southern California's last staunchly Republican districts.