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US Congressman Agrees to Televised Interview on Missing Intern
US Congressman Gary Condit has agreed to accept a nationally televised interview on ABC network Thursday to break his silence regarding his affair with missing intern Chandra Levy, his office announced Monday.
The interview will be with Connie Chung Thursday night in what is believed to be Condit's first public address since the disappearance of Levy, his former intern, in May.
"The congressman has fully responded to all questions put to him by law enforcement authorities trying to find Ms. Levy. He can now address in a public forum the issues that have been raised over the past three months," said Condit's office.
Despite the attempt to conceal the fact at the beginning, Condit later was forced to admit that he did have an affair with Levy, whose whereabouts remain a mystery. Police in Washington D.C. have interviewed Condit three times and insist he is not a legitimate suspect in the disappearance. There is also no proof that a crime has even been committed.
Condit, a 53-year-old father of two, admitted having a romantic relationship with Levy during a police interview although Condit himself has not made any public comment, police sources said.
The congressman's office added that he would also make direct contact with his constituents in Modesto, California, and be more open to other media outlets. The first communication will be a letter sent to each of his constituents.
Controversy has overshadowed the California Democrat's political future since early May when Levy, a former 24-year-old intern for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, disappeared. Three newspapers serving his Central Valley congressional district have called for his resignation and several polls show an erosion of support.
Condit's latest action is believed to be an attempt to save his political future by restoring his credibility undercut by his behavior so far.
His staff insists he still plans to run for re-election in 2002 with an October fund-raiser on the schedule. A mass mailing to his constituents is also being considered.
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