-Caveat Lector- "...heed this description of Condit, from Willie Brown himself: "That man has ice water in his veins." http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/comment-wilcox071301.shtml A Man You Don't Know And weren't supposed to meet. By Jonathan Wilcox, former speechwriter for California Governor Pete Wilson July 13, 2001 8:55 a.m. Many people must think they know a good deal about Rep. Gary Condit, the most famous congressman they never heard of 60 days ago. But no matter how often one sees the ubiquitous television images of Condit dashing across streets, into waiting cars, or down stairways (usually with cameras and reporters in hot pursuit), that will offer no inner view into one of California's most enigmatic elected officials. While the boyish-looking 53 year old was hardly a household name, he has enjoyed a rich political life that upon examination offers a glimpse into what is happening to him now, and why it represents what is wrong with California politics. Condit has long had a reputation for being a groping lecher often seen - how shall we say it? - in the close and suggestive company of women who were not his wife. An acquaintance of mine that does occasional television punditry even let it be known that Condit once chased her around a desk and physically blocked her exit from a room. I doubt I would have ever heard the story had Chandra Levy not disappeared and her relationship with Condit revealed. I am confident, however, that if he were a Republican, his conduct would have been exposed long ago. And I am certain that if he were a Republican embroiled in similar scandal, he would have already been forced to resign. Condit has always portrayed a man of contrast: A Democrat representing a Republican-leaning district of the Central Valley. A prodigious fundraiser who gives campaign cash to charities. A Baptist minister's son who rides a Harley-Davidson and attends Pearl Jam and Rolling Stones concerts. But most of all, Condit is a classic opportunist who possesses that most priceless political commodity - a Democrat viewed as both a moderate and well versed in the Bible. This has given him untold political advantage; Democrats view him as someone who can win a marginal political district, while Republicans view him as someone they can do business with. The first group is right; the second dead wrong. Condit was elected to the California assembly in 1982, where he compiled a moderate record many issues. In 1988, he joined with four other Democrats to form a "Gang of Five" intending to align with Republicans and topple to Ayatollah of the Lower House himself, Speaker Willie Brown. Proving there's no honor among conspirators, some Republicans betrayed the plan, making for a veritable Bay of Pigs in the state capitol. Robbed of air cover from their temporary GOP allies, the "Gang of Five" was left on the beach and slaughtered. Brown himself held true to Oliver Wendell Holmes's admonition that "When you strike at a king, you must kill him." He punished the turncoats, stripping them of perks and power, even moving them into cramped offices befitting their status in purgatory. Four of the gang begged forgiveness, and Brown slowly rehabilitated them. Condit refused. For the next year, he remained virtually isolated, but despite the entreaties of Republicans (and his treatment at the hands of Democrats) he didn't switch parties. This should have been a warning sign that Condit is as cold and as calculating as they come. His patience paid off in 1989 when Tony Coelho, the third-ranking Democrat in the House, resigned in disgrace. Already representing the area, Condit won the special election that followed, aided by an unprecedented absentee-ballot effort by the state Democratic party. Willie Brown could have prevented this, but didn't. Just as in Sacramento, Condit's Washington career has been marked by Republican collegiality. Recall that Rep. John Kasich, the House Budget chairman, pledged to make a personal campaign contribution to Condit, before reversing under pressure. Even the usually reliable Almanac of American Politics got it wrong, attributing Condit's popularity to his "apparent lack of guile." For years, politics in California has largely been an exercise in Democrat hardball and Republican beanbag. For example, Reps. Nancy Pelosi and Maxine Waters have reportedly acted as a human shield for Condit on the House floor, protecting him from prying eyes and probing questions. How many seconds do you think they would tolerate a similar stonewall from the GOP? Republicans should let go of the Condit myth - that he's basically a conservative guy who is more comfortable with them than on the other side of the aisle. Rather, like the legion of women now coming forward, they should feel used and abused. Finally, they should stop waiting for a demonstration of humility or humanity from the man from Modesto and instead heed this description of Condit, from Willie Brown himself: "That man has ice water in his veins." ================================================================ Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh, YHVH, TZEVAOT FROM THE DESK OF: *Michael Spitzer* <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> The Best Way To Destroy Enemies Is To Change Them To Friends ================================================================ <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/";>www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. 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