Free Republic

Former congressman scrutinized in his libel suit against author Dunne. Then-congressman Gary Condit's reputation was on the line in late 2001 when his re-election campaign commissioned a survey. Now his reputation is again on the line, though he no longer holds office. As he pursues a defamation lawsuit against author Dominick Dunne, the $11 million question is when did Condit's stature sour. Condit claims Dunne's comments cost him dearly, up to and including the March 2002 Democratic primary election when Condit lost his job. Dunne's attorneys retort that Condit's actions undermined his public standing. This dispute over who's responsible for...

WASHINGTON -- Former congressman Gary Condit paid his children $209,500 last year with funds originally meant to advance his own career, newly released records show. The most recent payments to Chad and Cadee Condit all but emptied the treasury Condit established when his statewide prospects appeared bright. They also illuminate the sometimes controversial liberties politicians can take with political action committees. "I would consider it unusual and downright misleading for a candidate to use PAC funds to pay his children," David Schecter, assistant professor of political science at California State University, Fresno, said Monday. But Schecter added, "If the payments...