Rep. Gary Condit, dogged by scandal since the disappearance of Washington intern Chandra Levy, just beat the deadline Friday to file for re-election next year.

"I'm running," Condit said as he walked into the Stanislaus County Courthouse amid a crush of supporters, reporters and photographers to file the necessary paperwork.

Condit, a Democrat who was first elected in 1989 and has handily won re-election six times, had kept silent on his plans until there were only 45 minutes left to file for the 2002 campaign.

Although Condit has never had serious primary opposition, several Democrats have lined up to run in the March primary, including state Assemblyman Dennis Cardoza, a one-time Condit aide and political protege.

He is also facing a redrawn district this year. California's population increase under the 2000 census gave the state its 53rd House seat, requiring redistricting. His district, drawn up by fellow Democrats, ended up with 40 percent new voters.

Condit's hold on the congressional seat was shaken following Levy's disappearance in May. The 24-year-old intern for the Bureau of Prisons in Washingtonis from Condit's district, and questions mounted about her connection to the married congressman.

Condit, 53, eventually told police he had been romantically involved with Levy, according to a police source.

He kept silent publicly for more than three months, finally giving a series of poorly received print and broadcast interviews in which he acknowledged a "very close" relations with Levy but denied any involvement in her disappearance.

Police do not consider Condit a suspect, although they interviewed him four times and searched his Washington condominium looking for clues.

Once among the most popular Democrats in the House, Condit has been ostracized by his own party. Prominent Democrats, including California Democratic Party Chairman Art Torres, are backing Cardoza.

Leading Democrats including House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt and California Gov. Gray Davis, a longtime Condit friend and political ally, have criticized the congressman for not being more forthcoming. Even his son said publicly he hoped his father would not seek re-election to spare him more criticism.

Democrats are worried about losing Condit's seat, which could undermine their chances of winning a majority in the House next year. Republicans now have a 10-seat advantage, 221-211, with two independents and one vacancy.