Democrats Get Visit From Gephardt

Simpler tax returns, better teacher training and more after-school activities to cut juvenile crime are the things the top Democratic Congressman told local students he would like to see.

“We have to focus everyone on what it takes to get this done,” House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt said Saturday at Boise State University.

Gephardt, touted as a likely presidential candidate, was in Boise to stump for Idaho Democratic candidates and breathe enthusiasm into the state party.

In a whirlwind day, Gephardt spoke to students, raised funds for Idaho Democrats and met with traditional supporters.

Some Democrats said his visit was just what the state party needed. Democrats hold none of Idaho’s four congressional seats and 16 of 105 seats in the state Legislature.