MERCED, CA: Chad and Cadee Condit are acting as their father Gary's
communications team in an unofficial first step toward a reelection
campaign.
Rep. Gary Condit began gathering signatures to place his name on the
March ballot last week. His children are acting as his media
spokespeople on a volunteer basis, according to Chad Condit. Both of the
younger Condits left positions with California governor Gray Davis'
administration earlier in the summer, when Davis criticized Gary
Condit's handling of the press during the media maelstrom over the
disappearance of intern Chandra Levy.
"Cadee and I are doing this as people who believe in him," said Chad
Condit of his position with his father's campaign.
Longtime political consultant Richard Ross will also be involved in the
effort. "He will continue to do what he's always done, which is be one
of Gary's advisors and friends," Chad Condit said.
Gary Condit currently has about 150 volunteers trying to gather 3,000
signatures to qualify for the 2002 ballot.
In California, political candidates have the choice of circulating
petitions or paying $1,451. Since 1982, Condit has chosen the
petition method. "He's always been grassroots oriented," said Chad
Condit.
Gary Condit faces a tough campaign if he seeks an eighth term. Both of
the major newspapers in his area - the Modesto and Fresno Bees - have
run editorials calling for his resignation.
Adding to his challenges, the congressman's political district was
recently redrawn with unfavorable terms. He may also face a primary
challenge from one-time aide Dennis Cardoza, an assemblyman from Merced.
