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CNN Live At Daybreak

Condit's Family Resign From Governor's Office

Aired August 29, 2001 - 07:03   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: The controversy over Gary Condit's remarks has gotten angry and personal. Condit's two adult children suddenly quit their jobs with California Governor Gray Davis.

As CNN national correspondent Bob Franken reports, the Condits spelled out the reason for their resignation in a bitter letter to the governor.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The letter was delivered in Sacramento to the chief of staff of Governor Gray Davis. "We respectfully submit our resignation, effective immediately," the words of Chad and Cadee Condit, putting action behind their anger over the comments Monday by the governor about his old friend, Gary Condit, their father.

GOV. GRAY DAVIS (D), CALIFORNIA: I am disheartened that the Congressman Condit did not speak out more quickly or more fully.

FRANKEN: The response from Condit's children is a disgusted one: "You may remember our father's strong public support, endorsement and organizational efforts for you during the bleakest moments of your 1998 primary campaign. It is that kind of loyalty to friends that has been hallmark of his career and is a standard we strive to live up to. Continued employment with the Governor's office after your public statement regarding our father would undercut that standard."

Thirty-three-year-old Chad Condit was Governor Davis' liaison to the Central Valley of California, which includes the Modesto area. Cadee Condit, age 26, was an assistant in the governor's office.

The resignation had been telegraphed when Chad Condit appeared Monday night on "LARRY KING LIVE."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "LARRY KING LIVE")

CHAD CONDIT, GARY CONDIT'S SON: The fact of the matter is Gary Condit has been forthcoming with law enforcement folks from the very beginning. And there is no honor in kicking somebody when they're down. I just disagree with the governor's comment, and they kind of missed the mark.

LARRY KING, HOST: But you don't hold the governor in less regard?

CONDIT: I probably do.

KING: But you're still working for him?

CONDIT: Right this second.

KING: As of this minute.

CONDIT: Yes.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: Governor Davis had a quick response: "These are two extraordinary young adults, who did an outstanding job for the Office of the Governor. I regret their decision to leave, but am convinced they will be successful with whatever they choose to do. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors."

But the governor's warm words contrasted sharply with the bitter tone of the letter from Chad and Cadee Condit, who wrote, "Friendship should not be based on poll numbers."

(on camera): For the last few days, much of the discussion has centered on whether Congressman Condit also plans to leave his job, whether he is considering resignation or an announcement that he does not plan to seek reelection.

Unlike his children, Gary Condit has returned to being publicly silent.

Bob Franken, CNN, Modesto, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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