Features

Senators add support to Cardoza for Condit’s seat

The Associated Press
Friday January 25, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer said Thursday they will support Dennis Cardoza in his bid to replace Rep. Gary Condit. 

Thursday’s announcement came a day after former Congressman Tony Coelho said he won’t support Condit, his successor, for another term. 

While California Assembly Member Cardoza continues to tout his growing list of endorsements, he’s steering clear of confrontations with his one-time mentor, Condit. 

Cardoza missed the only candidates forum of the campaign, which drew 10 other hopefuls for the 18th Congressional District, including Condit. 

Now, Cardoza’s bowing out of a forum with Condit and Democratic businessman Ralph White that will be taped Friday at KFSN-TV in Fresno. 

Spokesman Doug White said Cardoza is trying not to attend events where Chandra Levy’s name is bound to be mentioned. 

“We prefer not to talk about Chandra Levy,” he said. “Dennis will participate in debates, but only if questions come from people who actually vote in this race.” 

Levy, an intern with whom Condit reportedly had an affair, has been missing since last April.