The State - News from July 20, 1989

Former San Joaquin Valley Congressman Tony Coelho formally endorsed Democratic Assemblyman Gary Condit in the race to succeed him. Coelho, who rose to become Democratic house whip before he resigned last month, said he is so confident that Condit will win the Sept. 12 election that House Speaker Tom Foley agreed, at Coelho’s request, to reserve a seat on the Agriculture Committee for Condit. “Gary Condit will do a tremendous job in the House of Representatives,” Coelho said. “He’s willing to devote many years to making sure that he not only understands the issues, but can represent you well in the House.” Coelho resigned in the wake of criticism of his purchase of a junk bond without using his own money. The district includes Stanislaus, Merced and Mariposa counties, as well as part of Fresno.