See Dick run run Dick run

WASHINGTON -- Coast to coast, Dick Gephardt has traveled to more than 30 other lawmakers' districts this year, campaigning to win back the House for the Democrats -- and maybe the White House for himself.

If the Democrats prevail on Nov. 5, the Missouri congressman would be in line to become House speaker, a position he's sought for years. He would also have to decide whether to plunge into that job or mount an all-out second run for the presidency in 2004.

"I would dearly love to be in that dilemma," says Gephardt, who is now minority leader.

"I'll figure that out when we win speaker of the House," he said in an interview. "I really haven't figured out what happens after this election but I know that to do this, I have to be focused on this."

Gephardt, sandy-haired and youthful-looking at 61, has visited 61 cities in 83 trips for House members and candidates so far this year -- 217 events, both fund-raisers and rallies.

At the same time, his trips have included forays into Iowa and New Hampshire, the presidential leadoff states in 2004, and to South Carolina, which also has an early primary. His home state of Missouri is slated to have one of the early contests, too.

Many Gephardt associates say they expect him to run for president. Among the half dozen or so Democrats preparing for possible 2004 campaigns, he and former Vice President Al Gore have national networks of Democratic supporters and fund-raisers.

"Both have relationships with thousands around the country," said Bill Carrick, a California Democratic consultant who has worked with both. "There wouldn't be much oxygen left in the room with the two of them in the race."

Gephardt has strongly criticized the Republicans for not doing more to revive the faltering economy, an issue likely to figure in any national campaign.

Supportive of Bush

At the same time, he supports President Bush on the possible use of force against Iraq, appearing with Bush at the White House last week.

That position on Iraq, projecting a moderate image, could strengthen fellow Democrats' efforts in many states next month. However, it's also a stance that wouldn't necessarily help in a bid for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination because some early primaries are in states where party voters might not reward hawkish views.

"You can't worry about that," Gephardt said. "You have to do what's right for the country and the politics will figure themselves out."