Californians react to Condit interview

MODESTO, California (CNN) -- For more than three months, Rep. Gary Condit has made headlines for refusing to talk to the media about missing former intern Chandra Levy. The congressman's first public comments on the matter Thursday only fueled, rather than defused, the debate.

A diverse group — including a mayor, pastor, activist, educator and student — gathered before CNN's cameras in Modesto, California, to discuss Condit's recent letter and ABC News interview.

What they said:

Carmen Sabatino, mayor of Modesto, California:
"The congressman has made himself a fugitive from the media. I think he remedied that tonight … But he's never been a fugitive from justice. Now people are going to have to judge his credibility. I assume they'll do that at the ballot box."

Glen Carrington, treasurer of NAACP chapter and budget analyst:
"He was operating on three different platforms: the legal, moral and political … In general, he was illogical and evasive."

Paul Johnson, pastor of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church:
"He denied most everything. There just was no accountability."

Salli Perez, program director for "Healthy Start" educational program:
"All in all, he was pretty evasive. It would have done a lot of people a lot of good if he had just spoken … at the (beginning)."

Sandy Lucas, Stanislaus County Democratic chairman:
"I thought he did a good job. The fact he didn't say I had an affair (but) he said everything but those few words. I think he came across very well."

Becky Plaza, college student:
"I was a little bit disappointed. I wish he hadn't been so evasive. I wish he has said yes or no … and not beaten around the bush."