Condit to break public silence on Levy case

Condit

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. Gary Condit will break his public silence on the Chandra Levy investigation in an interview Thursday night on ABC with correspondent Connie Chung, his office announced Monday.

The interview is scheduled to air at 10 p.m. EDT.

"The congressman has fully responded to all questions put to him by law enforcement authorities trying to find Ms. Levy. He can now address in a public forum the issues that have been raised over the past three months," said a statement from Condit's office announcing the interview.

The statement said Condit also plans to "communicate directly with his constituents and speak with other media." Details as to how that will be done were not revealed.

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Controversy has swirled around the California Democrat since early May, when Levy, 24, a former intern for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, disappeared.

During a police interview, Condit, 53 and a married father of two, admitted having a romantic relationship with her, police sources said, though Condit himself has not made any public comment.

Police have said they do not consider Condit a suspect in Levy's disappearance. But the media storm surrounding him has resulted in considerable political damage, with three newspapers serving his Central Valley congressional district calling for his resignation and several polls showing an erosion of support.

While Condit's statement Monday insisted he has cooperated with law enforcement authorities "from day one," Levy's parents have criticized him for not being more forthcoming with information that could have assisted in the investigation.

When asked for her reaction to the news of Condit's interview, Susan Levy, Chandra's mother, said: "I'm surprised he hasn't made any interviews before."

Even some of Condit's fellow Democrats have been critical of his conduct, with Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California saying his behavior has undercut his credibility.

But Condit's staff insists he still plans to run for re-election in 2002, with an October fund-raiser on the schedule. A mass mailing to his constituents is also being considered.

Condit currently represents the 18th Congressional District. The California Legislature is redrawing districts to reflect population changes in the 2000 Census, and there has been speculation that his district could be altered in light of his political problems.