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Candidate Bio
Richard Gephardt
Political affiliation:
Democratic Party
Born:
January 31, 1941
St. Louis, Mo.
Personal:
Married to Jane Byrnes. Two daughters, one son. Baptist.
Occupation:
Attorney. U.S. congressman
Education:
B.S. from Northwestern University, 1962. Law degree from University of Michigan, 1965
Experience:
Lawyer in private practice, Missouri Air National Guard, 1965-71; Democratic committeeman, St. Louis, Missouri, 1968-71; St. Louis city alderman, 1971-6; Congressman from Missouri's Third District, 1977-present; unsuccessful candidate for president, 1988; House Majority Leader, 1989-94; House Minority Leader, 1994-2003.
On the Issues

Audio Highlights
Audio Gephardt speaks to farmers in Moorhead (1/4/04)
During a campaign swing to Moorhead and Fargo, Gephardt stressed farm and labor issuesThe governor discusses the budget and the session during a speech to the Society of Professional Journalists' meeting in Minneapolis

Links and Resources
Web site:
Document dickgephardt2004.com
Campaign contributors:
Document Political Money Line
Candidate Pages

Richard Gephardt

SNAPSHOT
Richard Gephardt dropped out of the race for president on Jan. 20, 2004 after a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses. He was one of the founders of the Democratic Leadership Council, the group of Democrats (they called themselves "centrists") who wanted to pull the party back to the middle of the political spectrum. In the 1980s, he opposed many Democratic causes such as abortion rights, busing and the raising of the minimum wasge. That began to change in the mid-1980s when he was elected chairman of the Democratic Caucus. He ran for president in 1986, and signalled his shift, according to the Almanac of American Politics, by doing little to advance a tax reform proposal he helped author, and changing his stand on abortion to pro-choice. During the Clinton administration, he was a vocal opponent of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). While Gephardt is widely known for his ability to build consensus, he was often shut out of negotiations on Capitol Hill in the '90s as the Clinton White House often negotiated directly with Republican lawmakers. In his home district in Missouri, there is some rumbling that Gephardt spends too much time on national issues, and not enough time in the district. Gephardt has a strong network of supporters and high visibility, thanks to his 8 years as leader of House Democrats. He's also a prolific fundraiser for other candidates.Gephardt stepped down as House Democratic Leader in November 2002, after failing to lead the Democrats in four elections back to majority status in the House. No sitting House member has been elected president since 1880, however.

John Kerry has a super Tuesday
Senator John Kerry dominated the Super Tuesday contests and now readies for the November election. In Minnesota, caucus turnout was high.
Kerry adds Minnesota to Super Tuesday rout
John Kerry charged to victory Tuesday in Minnesota's Democratic caucus, adding to his near sweep of Super Tuesday states that pushed rival John Edwards out of the nomination hunt.
Super Tuesday Results
Results from state primaries and the Minnesota caucuses for 'Super Tuesday' in the presidential campaign.
Minnesotans head to their caucuses
On Super Tuesday, 1,151 delegates are up for grabs -- more than half the number needed to win the Democratic nomination.
Minnesota caucus night culminates campaign flurry in state
On Tuesday, neighborhood meetings held around the state could help decide who the Democrats nominate for president. The Minnesota caucuses are part of "super Tuesday." Residents of California, New York and seven other states will also vote in presidential primaries. And for the first time in many years, the candidates have been focusing on Minnesota along with the bigger states.
Presidential politics
A day after the Wisconsin primary, Gary Eichten and his guests discuss the race for president. On Tuesday, presidential hopeful John Kerry won the Wisconsin primary in a narrow victory over John Edwards. Howard Dean dropped out of the race.
Wisconsin voters welcome attention from candidates
Wisconsin is in the national spotlight with Democratic candidates for President criss-crossing the state ahead of Tuesday's primary. For candidates John Edwards and Howard Dean, the dairy state is a must-win following John Kerry's victories in 14 of 16 previous primaries and caucuses. All of the attention is a welcome change to the state's residents.
Taking stock of the Democratic presidential nomination
Is John Kerry's perceived electability driving his success? A look at the factors contributing to the once long-shot candidate's winning ways.
The race for president
A look at the key issues and leading candidates in the presidential campaign. Presidential contests in Virginia and Tennessee are on Tuesday, and Democratic hopefuls are campaigning hard. Trying to steal some of the spotlight from Democrats seeking his job, President Bush is highlighting upswings in the U.S. economy.
Kerry wins in five states
Armed with a multistate win that cemented his front-runner status, John Kerry is pausing briefly before plunging into the next round of tests as a national presidential candidate. His campaign, Kerry said, is "on the move."
MPR Poll: November presidential contest might be close in Minnesota
Minnesota voters say if the presidential election were held today, Democratic Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts would have the best chance to beat George W. Bush in the state. A new Mason-Dixon poll sponsored by Minnesota Public Radio and the St. Paul Pioneer Press sheds light on voter opinions on President Bush, the Democratic candidates for president, and the war on terrorism.
Kerry rolls over N.H. rivals, taking mantle of front-runner as contest goes national
The opening acts behind them, Democrats transformed their presidential campaign into a national battle Wednesday with John Kerry, fresh from his New Hampshire win, ready to open an advertising blitz in all seven states that vote next and his rivals scrambling to stay competitive.
The next primaries, just around the corner
With the New Hampshire primary over, Gary and his guests take a look ahead to the next series of primaries on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Spouses on the campaign trail
As the campaign progresses, Democratic candidates' wives are receiving more attention from the media. As in years past, one observer says, first ladies and the women who hope to succeed them are expected to drop careers to be hostesses.
New Hampshire primary
A preview of Tuesday's New Hampshire presidential primary. The candidates are making the most of Monday, in the final day before the primary. Among the Democrats, John Kerry and Howard Dean are leading the pack in some polls. But polls also show eight to 15 percent of likely voters are undecided -- and many others could change their minds.

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