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American Morning

The Search for Chandra: Condit Fires Back

Aired August 13, 2001 - 10:06   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.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: California Congressman Gary Condit is firing back. He has issued his first public statement since reportedly acknowledging an affair with former government intern Chandra Levy.

Condit is firing back at two central California newspapers. Those papers are calling upon the congressman to resign on charges that they believe he violated the public trust.

Our national correspondent Bob Franken is our point man on the Chandra Levy case and he joins us this morning with the latest developments -- Bob, good morning.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.

And in particular he is responding to the "Modesto Bee," the newspaper that is the largest in his district and one that has supported him throughout his political career, saying that the latest call is "terribly unfair" and "disappointing." Condit has been the target now of the "Modesto Bee's" call that he should resign. "Gary Condit should resign," said the newspaper. "He has offered no explanation, no defense, no remorse because of his involvement in the Chandra Levy case." It goes on to say that he has shown little concern for the missing former intern. "He has spun, stalled and stonewalled."

Now, Congressman Condit, in his response, said, "I can only hope" -- meaning the voters -- "that they will judge me on my entire record and that they will wait for their judgment until they have heard what I have to say, which I plan to do very soon." He accuses the paper of getting involved in the "media frenzy," as he calls it, that has surrounded this case. And it's not only the "Modesto Bee," but its sister newspaper in the neighboring area, the "Fresno Bee." We're told by the McClatchy newspaper spokesman, who, in fact, are owners of both of those newspapers and several others, that the decisions were reached separately to call for Condit's resignation, separately by different editorial boards.

Condit is back in his home district. Chandra Levy, who, with whom he admitted having a romantic relationship, according to police sources, during his third interview by investigators, Chandra Levy now, Daryn, has been missing for 105 days.

KAGAN: No sign of where she might be? FRANKEN: No sign where she might be. The police are very frustrated. Thus far their entire investigation, which, as you know, has been massive, has come up with very little.

KAGAN: Incredible.

Bob Franken in Washington, thank you.

We're going to get more on this call for the congressman's resignation next hour, Bob. We're going to be talking with one of the editors of the "Modesto Bee" to find out more how they came to this decision to run the editorial. We'll see you later, as well.

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