Condit's fund raising unaffected by Levy story

By Shirley Zilberstein and Alan Silverleib
CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The bad publicity generated by his relationship to missing former government intern Chandra Levy has not yet hurt the ability of Rep. Gary Condit to raise campaign funds, one of the most significant advantages of incumbency.

Reports filed with the Federal Election Commission this week indicate the seven-term California Democrat raised $185,878 in the period from January 1 to June 30.

After spending $131,453 in the same period -- including a $10,000 contribution to the Chandra Levy reward fund -- he was left with $315,667 cash on hand.

These figures are similar to Condit's financial situation during the recently concluded 2000 election cycle. From January 1 to June 30, 2000, Condit raised $187,176 and was left with $307,659 cash on hand. He spent $138,976 during those six months.

In the first six months of the last non-election year (1999) Condit raised $205,573 and was left with $234,277 cash on hand. He spent $133,944 during that period.

There is no indication, based on the rate of contributions collected by Condit's fund-raising committee, that his financial base of support has suffered significant erosion since the emergence of the Levy story in mid-May.