More Papers Call on Condit to Resign

Aug. 13 -- Rep. Gary Condit lashed out at the major local newspapers in his California congressional district for their editorials calling for his resignation.

In a strongly worded editorial on Sunday, the Modesto Bee — calling itself one of Condit's strong supporters in the past — accused the congressman of "bizarre behavior" and demanded that he resign.

Condit called that "terribly unfair and disappointing."

The congressman's "abhorrent conduct in the Chandra Levy investigation has violated the public trust and rendered him no longer fit to remain in office," the editorial reads.

The Fresno Bee also called for Condit's resignation. Both Bee newspapers are owned by the McClatchy Company.

Condit Blasts ‘Media Frenzy’

In a brief written statement, Condit said the editorial, "like the articles [the Bee] ran and later had to correct with false accusations about me, is another example of it following the media frenzy in this case rather than leading, by providing its readers with the truth."

He promised to speak on the matter soon, after talking with his family, and asked that his constituents withhold judgment until then.

Jim Boren, The Fresno Bee's editorial page editor, defended the editorial on CNN's Wolf Blitzer Reports.

"We've given him consideration for the last three months. We'vegiven him the benefit of the doubt," Boren said .

Speaking on the same program, Condit Chief-of-Staff Mike Lynch said it was wrong for the media to focus on the congressman's behavior after Levy disappeared. "There's no linkage," Lynch said.

"At the close of the day, people are going to recognize that Congressman Condit had no link to the disappearance," Lynch said, adding that the focus should stay on trying to find Levy.

Lynch also said Condit would seek re-election to a seventh term in the House.

Condit has reportedly admitted to police that he had an affair with Levy, who went missing shortly after completing a federal internship more than three months ago.