Lawmaker calls Condit 'good member of Congress'

Nancy Pelosi

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-California, expressed confidence Wednesday in her colleague Gary Condit, calling him a "good member of Congress" and saying he "did not have anything to do with the disappearance of Chandra Levy."

Pelosi's comments to reporters are noteworthy because few lawmakers have publicly come to Condit's defense in recent days.

"I know one thing for sure and that is Gary Condit did not have anything to do with the disappearance of Chandra Levy. I know as a mother of five children, four daughters," said Pelosi. She said the "major concern" should be finding the missing former intern with U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

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Pelosi has known Condit since the Democrats both served in the California legislature in the 1980s. She insists he is still effectively doing his job despite the controversy.

"I am very sad about the course of events that have transpired, but that does not eliminate the fact that Gary is a good member of Congress, represents his district very well and for those reasons has the respect and concern of his colleagues," Pelosi said.

Condit, who law enforcement sources said admitted to a romantic relationship with Levy, is one of about 100 people interviewed by police in connection with her disappearance.

She was last reported seen at a Washington gym April 30. Her family has criticized Condit for being less than forthcoming to investigators.

The controversy has forced Condit to duck out of high-profile events such as last week's Fourth of July parade and this week's energy news conference held by conservative Blue Dog Democrats.

In the weeks before the July Fourth recess, several Democrats, including House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, had come to Condit's defense, but most lawmakers have been silent since the Levy family accused Condit of impeding the investigation.

A Republican colleague said people back in Condit's home state are asking questions.

"Gary Condit is someone who's been there and done a good job," said Rep. David Dreier, R-California. "But these developments have led to a lot of questions being raised by his constituents, and I will tell you that the kind of public attention that's focused on this is amazingly high."