Condit lying low upon return to face constituents

By Kiley Russell

Associated Press

MODESTO, Calif. – U.S. Rep. Gary Condit returned Friday to face an uncertain future with his California constituents, leaving behind growing unrest among his Washington colleagues.

Arriving at San Francisco’s airport, Condit began his summer congressional recess the same way he has spent most of the past three months – avoiding photographers and reporters who wanted to question him about his affairs and missing intern Chandra Levy.

He said nothing as he rolled his duffel bag toward an exit. He has not been publicly spotted since – not at his home or his office in Modesto.

One senior Democrat has pronounced Condit’s career over. California’s senior senator has said he lied to her. And his partner in forming a group of conservative Democrats has accused him of discrediting Congress.

Still another California Democrat, Anna Eshoo, who had earlier defended Condit, said, “It’s hurtful to all of us. It’s held against the whole place.”

Condit has maintained his public silence about Levy, although a police source has said he admitted to an affair with the 24-year-old constituent, who was in Washington for a federal internship.

Levy, 24, has been missing since early May, and police have no clues to her whereabouts. They have said that Condit is not a suspect in her disappearance, but they have interviewed him four times, taken a DNA sample and searched his apartment.

Modesto residents say they’re weary of Condit’s silence and feel betrayed by the man who portrayed himself as a politician who chooses the moral high ground.

“When this first came out, he should’ve come out with any information that could’ve helped police find the girl,” said Steve Cary, a 57-year-old merchant seaman.

Democrat Carlos DeLaRosa, 28, said he’d vote for Condit again. “I know he’s made some mistakes, but I don’t think this should affect his political career.”

But DeLaRosa said most of his friends and neighbors disagree. And he acknowledged that Condit’s “career is pretty much over, unfortunately.”

Condit could face a House ethics investigation into allegations that he obstructed the Levy investigation by urging other women to remain quiet. Condit denies those allegations. The House ethics committee has deferred a decision while the police investigation continues.

Meanwhile, Condit must decide whether to say anything about Levy while he is home in Modesto.

His staff refused to release his schedule, and chief of staff Michael Lynch said he had no idea whether Condit would address constituents about Levy.

Condit’s silence has also brought rising criticism from fellow lawmakers.

“Congressman Condit’s failure to come forward and to be fully candid, combined with the conduct involved, really does violate the public trust and affects his integrity and credibility as a legislator,” said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.

Earlier in the week, Feinstein spoke bluntly in relating a conversation in which she said Condit had denied a romantic relationship with Levy. “He lied to me,” she told McClatchy Newspapers.