NYDailyNews

Condit's Critics Are Back For More

Osama Bin Laden may have knocked Rep. Gary Condit off the front page. But the California congressman — questioned in the disappearance of Washington intern Chandra Levy — was back in the media glare yesterday.

Making his first appearance at a hearing of the House Intelligence subcommittee on terrorism and homeland security, Condit had his critics baying that he didn't belong there.

"I'm shocked and outraged that something as important as the defense of this country against terrorism is being entrusted to [him]," said Jim Robinson, the attorney for Anne Marie Smith, who has contended that Condit asked her to lie under oath about their relationship.

"This is an endorsement by his own party that he's innocent," Robinson added.

"We can think of few worse to lead Congress' fight against terrorism than Gary Condit," said Larry Klayman, chairman of the conservative group Judicial Watch. "His lies and obstruction of justice make him unfit to hold public office, let alone a sensitive post."

A spokeswoman for Chandra's parents, Susan and Bob Levy, said they didn't want to comment. But a family friend told us, "They're definitely freaked by his appointment."

Condit's office didn't return calls.

Spokesmen for House Speaker Dennis Hastert of Illinois and House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt of Missouri, who have the power to remove Condit, likewise didn't return calls.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2001