SFGate

Condit collects signatures; won't say if he'll seek re-election

MARK SHERMAN, Associated Press Writer Thursday, October 11, 2001 Breaking News Sections

(10-11) 02:02 PDT WASHINGTON (AP) --

California Rep. Gary Condit may have opened a campaign office and started collecting signatures necessary to seek re-election, but he has stopped short of making an official announcement.

"It helps build grass-roots support" was all he would say Wednesday about the signature drive.

Condit, D-Ceres, made the remark after dropping by fellow California Rep. Nancy Pelosi's celebration following her election as Democratic whip.

Instead of ignoring reporters' questions, as he has since Chandra Levy's disappearance, last spring, Condit talked. A little.

"Today's about Nancy's election," Condit said, sporting a blue button of support for his colleague. "Mine's another day."

Condit's popularity dropped sharply in the months after Levy, the 24-year-old federal intern, disappeared in Washington and her relationship with the 53-year-old, married congressman was disclosed.

Police say they do not consider Condit a suspect, but they have been critical of what they have described as his halting cooperation with their investigation.

Polls suggested most of Condit's constituents in the San Joaquin Valley would not vote for him again.

When Congress returned from its August recess, speculation was that Condit would retire at the end of his term next year. Pressure to make an announcement increased when the California Legislature changed the boundaries of his district, leaving him with many new constituents who know little about him other than his relationship with Levy.

Condit has since opened a campaign office in his district. Richie Ross, his political consultant, said Condit would gather petition signatures -- one way to qualify for the ballot -- to gauge his support.

"Basically, you get your signatures and then you make a declaration," Condit said as he walked toward an elevator in the Capitol complex.

So does he intend to run?

"That's for another day," he said.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 2001