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CNN Saturday Morning News

Carolyn Condit Expected to Stay With Congressman

Aired August 25, 2001 - 08:09   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: One person who has remained virtually invisible throughout this ordeal is Gary Condit's wife, Carolyn.

CNN's Rusty Dornin sheds some light on the person some say is the real source of the congressman's political power.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At his side when he finally went public on ABC, Congressman Gary Condit's wife, Carolyn. She's been a rare sight since the firestorm surrounding her husband began, and few of her friends are talking.

SANDRA LUCAS, DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE: People really adore her. In fact, there is a lot of people who, you know, will flippantly say, you know, I vote for Gary because Carolyn is wonderful. You know, kind of -- she really is well loved in this district.

DORNIN: Carolyn Condit came to Inalee Shend door in 19 years ago when her husband ran for state assembly. Bend has campaigned for Condit ever since, and says Carolyn has always been the goodwill ambassador.

INALEE SHEND, CONDIT SUPPORTER: She sends cards. She sends letters. She makes sure that when occasions arise, that it would be nice for flowers to be delivered.

DORNIN: Ceres, California, Condit's hometown, is a farming community. Here, Carolyn Condit stayed at home and raised her two children. She volunteered at the local hospital and the Ceres Historical Society.

The values here are more Midwestern than what most people think of as California. For Carolyn Condit, it seemed to be a role for which she was well suited.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Carolyn Condit has been the helpmate of her husband all these years and I think that that's what the people in Gary's district -- I think that's in their comfort zone, to see a woman like Carolyn, rather than a woman who is more independent.

DORNIN: But, following her husband's interviews, not everyone in her district is supportive. Carolyn Condit was frequently mentioned on the local radio call in show. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How do you feel about the situation Carolyn is in?

CALLER: I do not see her as submissive and quiet and going on for anything other than to hold on to Gary, and I think she's doing herself a disjustice, injustice, and disservice to the rest of us.

DORNIN: The comparisons to another woman in a similar situation, perhaps unavoidable.

LUCAS: I see Carolyn as perhaps maybe softer, more -- perhaps more vulnerable than Hillary Clinton.

DORNIN: More vulnerable, perhaps. But those who know who say a woman who is likely to stand by her man.

Rusty Dornin, CNN, Modesto, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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