Go to: Rep. Richard Gephardt, Missouri Background: House Democratic leader from 1994 to 2002; in 1988, ran unsuccessfully for president. As minority leader, failed in four straight national elections to lead Democrats to majority in the House. Enjoys close ties to labor; supported Bush on use of force against Iraq. Quote: "I'm not the political flavor of the month. I'm not the flashiest candidate around. But the fight for working families is in my bones."