Rep. John T. Doolittle, who’s been caught up in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal, has requested a substantial earmark for a college represented by one of his former aides, who, coincidentally, has just been contacted by the FBI.

Pete Evich, a lobbyist and Doolittle’s legislative director until 2002, has been representing Sierra College, which could end up receiving $300,000 if the congressman’s request is approved.

Doolittle, R-Calif., asked for the money to be included in the 2008 Financial Services appropriations bill (HR 2829). It’s intended for a “mechatronics workforce training initiative,” according to the House Appropriations Committee.

The college is located in Doolittle’s district, where — like any other lawmaker — he would be expected to help his local constituents. But the timing of the earmark request puts both Doolittle and Evich in somewhat of an awkward position.

Evich told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the Justice Department has contacted him “regarding their investigation of Congressman Doolittle.” Evich said he plans to talk with federal authorities “in the near future.”

The FBI raided Doolittle’s home in April, taking materials that the lawmaker said were related to the business affairs of his wife, who once worked as an event planner for Abramoff.

Doolittle gave up his seat on the Appropriations Committee shortly after the raid on his home.