toledoblade.com --

WASHINGTON - Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) yesterday initiated a quixotic bid for House minority leader, saying she does not expect to win the post but hopes to force Democrats to focus on a reform agenda.

Miss Kaptur, the senior Democratic woman in the House, told a news conference that she understands that Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) has the votes to become the minority leader when House Democrats meet behind closed doors today to elect a replacement for Rep. Richard Gephardt (D., Mo.). Rep. Harold Ford (D., Tenn.) also is running for the post.

Despite her underdog status for the post, Miss Kaptur, 56, said she decided to jump into the race at the last minute to "offer a choice and to give voice to the reform wing of the [House Democratic] caucus.

"We need a reform agenda, not business as usual, bowing before business interests,'' Miss Kaptur said. "We need to move the majority of rank-and-file citizens back into the political process. We need to elevate the nonmoney wing of the party. The amount of money spent in the last election is truly staggering; it is corrupting what happens inside these walls.''

Miss Kaptur said Democrats need to challenge President Bush and the Republicans on such issues as "rising bank fees, skyrocketing insurance rates, tax breaks skewed to the richest Americans, and a failed deregulation strategy.''

"But we Democrats have to articulate an alternative for America's families and workers,'' Miss Kaptur said. She said Democrats should push an agenda of "economic populism,'' including efforts to cut the cost of prescription drugs, create a national health plan for small businesses, and formulate an energy plan to make the nation less dependent on foreign oil.

Neither Ms. Pelosi nor Mr. Ford had any comment yesterday on Miss Kaptur's candidacy. But Miss Kaptur said she had spoken to both of her competitors, describing them as "very gracious'' about her candidacy.

The House minority leader serves as both the party and floor leader for Democrats in the House of Representatives. Elected by fellow House Democrats, the leader is to shape the party's agenda, work with congressional Democrats to shape policy, and frame the legislative debate. As the top Democrat in the House, the leader is the spokesman for the House Democrats. The leader is the chairman of the Democratic Policy Committee, which formulates Democratic policies.

A 20-year House veteran, Miss Kaptur is known for her outspoken, independent streak and her willingness to challenge even her own party. She strongly criticized President Clinton for his support of the North American Free Trade Agreement. She claims it led to major job losses in Toledo.

Miss Kaptur said yesterday that she had attempted to convince House Democratic leaders to postpone today's vote for minority leader so lawmakers can spend time assessing the effect of the elections and deciding on a new agenda.

When House Democratic leaders refused to postpone the vote, Miss Kaptur said she decided to become a candidate for minority leader to "open up discussion inside our caucus and allow it to percolate.'' Under the current structure, only candidates for the leadership posts and their top supporters will be allowed to speak at length in the caucus today.

Like Ms. Pelosi, Miss Kaptur is regarded as a liberal Democrat. Asked how she differs from Ms. Pelosi, Miss Kaptur noted that she is strongly opposed to the North American Free Trade Agreement, while Ms. Pelosi supported it.

Miss Kaptur also contrasted her "grass-roots approach'' with the "very controlling command and control approach here in Washington.'' And she added: "I am not from the money wing of the party.''

"I come from working people,'' said Miss Kaptur, the first in her family to attend college. "If you have ever lived through a job washout, you have a different perspective on the issues than someone who hasn't.''

Asked if she is worried about potential political repercussions from supporters of Ms. Pelosi, she said: "I don't worry about that anymore. I'm worried about changing the [House Democratic] caucus and making it more inclusive.''

Permanent Link