Sanchez now declines to speak

LOS ANGELES -- In the latest twist to what some are calling Bunnygate, Rep. Loretta Sanchez of California on Monday stunned Democratic Party officials -- again -- by withdrawing as a speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles.

But her decision did nothing to put an end to the flap over her now-canceled fund-raiser at the Playboy Mansion. And if anything, it has heightened her political profile, if not endeared her to party leaders.

Sanchez, co-chair of the Democratic National Committee, last Thursday lost her speaking role because of her steadfast refusal to relocate the fund-raiser for Hispanic Unity USA, a political action committee she heads.

She regained a spot on the speakers' list the next day after she agreed to move the Tuesday night event to a club on Universal Studios' CityWalk.