Slate's Bizbox
ballot box: Politics and policy.

Profile: Richard Gephardt

By William Saletan and Avi Zenilman
Posted Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at 10:45 AM ET
Richard Gephardt

This week, Slate begins a series of short features explaining who the 2004 presidential candidates are, what they've said and done, and where they propose to take the country. The first installment summarizes each candidate's personal and professional background. Today's subject is Richard Gephardt.

Richard Andrew Gephardt

Web site: www.dickgephardt2004.com.

Age: 62 (born Jan. 31, 1941).

Highest grade completed: Law school (1965).

Political experience: Alderman, St. Louis (1971-1976); congressman, Missouri (1977-present); U.S. House Democratic leader (1989-2002).

Asserted achievements: Shepherded 1993 Clinton economic plan through the House; raised minimum wage; secured labor and environmental regulations in trade agreements.

Previous jobs: Lawyer in private practice (1965-1971).

Spouse: Jane Byrnes Gephardt.

Children: One adult son, two adult daughters.

Previous marriages: None.

Military history: Missouri Air National Guard (1965-1971).

Medical history: None reported.

Parents' jobs: Father was a milk truck driver; mother was a secretary.

Net worth: $134,000-$614,000.

Campaign song: "The Best" (Tina Turner).

Print This ArticlePRINTDiscuss this in The FrayDISCUSSEmail to a FriendE-MAIL
Share on FacebookPost to MySpace!Share with MixxDigg ThisShare with RedditShare with del.icio.usShare with FurlShare with Ma.gnolia.comShare with SphereShare with Stumble Upon
William Saletan is Slate's national correspondent and author of Bearing Right: How Conservatives Won the Abortion War. Avi Zenilman is a former Slate intern.
Photograph of Richard Gephardt by Jim Bourg/Reuters.
Join the Fray: our reader discussion forum
What did you think of this article?
POST A MESSAGE | READ MESSAGES