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CNN Live At Daybreak

Condit, Riordan Defeated in California Elections

Aired March 06, 2002 - 06:07   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: Two high-profile California politicians have been defeated in the state's primary. Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan was upset in the Republican race for governor and Congressman Gary Condit's seven-term run on Capitol Hill is over.

CNN's Lilian Kim has a wrap-up from the desk of California.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let's hear it for our Congressman Dennis Cardoza.

LILIAN KIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A former chief of staff to Congressman Gary Condit, Dennis Cardoza is now one step closer to replacing him in Washington, capturing the Democratic nomination. For Condit this marks an end to a life-long political career that was marred by the Chandra Levy scandal last year.

The 53-year old was never called a suspect in the case of the missing intern by police, but Condit's handling of the affair did tarnish his reputation. Late Tuesday night the congressman accepted defeat.

REP. GARY CONDIT (D), CALIFORNIA: And I'm going to work hard the remaining time that I have there and do everything that I can do to make the valley a better place to be.

KIM: Cardoza's victory comes as no surprise. The State Assemblyman raised more campaign cash than Condit and received endorsements from key Democrats.

BILL SIMON (R), CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: I want to say thank you again for all your support. I love you. God bless you, and God bless California.

KIM: As for the gubernatorial race, businessman Bill Simon captured the Republican nomination. He will now face Governor Gray Davis in the general election. The political newcomer defeated Richard Riordan. Hand-picked by the White House, the former L.A. mayor was expected to win the nomination easily early on.

Republican nominee Bill Simon faces a tough road ahead challenging Governor Gray Davis, an incumbent governor hasn't been denied a second term in California in 60 years.

In Modesto, California, Lilian Kim reporting.

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