Condit Children Quit Davis’ Staff

SACRAMENTO — Rep. Gary Condit’s two adult children quit their jobs with Gov. Gray Davis on Tuesday, criticizing him for saying their father lacked candor in the Chandra Levy mystery and for failing to show loyalty to Condit, a longtime friend.

In a resignation letter to Davis, Chad and Cadee Condit emphasized their strong loyalty to their father, and cited the longtime alliance of Davis and the veteran Democratic congressman from the San Joaquin Valley town of Ceres.

“Friendship should not be based on poll numbers,” they wrote.

Chad Condit, 34, was Davis’ top aide in the Central Valley on agricultural issues, constituent problems and other matters, at an annual salary of $110,856. Cadee, in her 20s, was a personal assistant to Davis, working in his Capitol office at a salary of $52,644.

They joined the administration at its start in 1999, after their father used what then was his considerable political influence to help Davis capture votes and contributions in the Central Valley during Davis’ 1998 campaign.

The governor issued a statement late Tuesday on Chad and Cadee Condit’s resignation.

“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 in whatever they choose to do. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”

Chandra Levy’s parents say Condit had an affair with the 24-year-old Washington intern who has been missing since April 30, but he has denied any involvement in her disappearance. After months of silence, Condit was interviewed on ABC last Thursday, but his responses were widely criticized as lacking candor.

Davis had withheld criticism, in part because the congressman’s children worked for him and are well-liked in the administration. But as more political leaders spoke out against Condit, Davis joined in.

Responding to reporters’ questions, the governor Monday said: “I’ve known Gary and worked with him for many, many years. So what I’m about to say doesn’t bring me any joy whatsoever. But I’m disheartened that Congressman Condit did not speak out more quickly or more fully.”

In their resignation letter, Chad and Cadee wrote:

“The Condits are a very proud and loyal family--not only in good times, but also during the darkest hours. 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 the 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.

“Your statement will not help find Chandra Levy, and contrary to your statement, Congressman Condit was fully forthcoming to law enforcement.”

Condit and Davis were freshman assemblymen in 1982. Condit was one of the first California Democrats to endorse Davis’ run for governor in 1998. Since then, the two have appeared at one another’s fund-raisers.

Chad Condit had been considering running for an Assembly seat next year. In an appearance on “Larry King Live” on Monday, he said it is now unlikely that he will seek public office.

He also was pointed in his criticism of Davis, saying: “There is no honor in kicking somebody when they’re down. I just disagree with the governor’s comments. They kind of miss the mark.”