Democratic Caucus Issues Policy Paper to Depict New Image
Members of the House Democratic Caucus, in a bid to strengthen their party as midterm elections approach, released a policy document Friday depicting themselves as “the party of change.”
“We intend to get the word out beyond the Beltway that this generation of Democrats has a viewpoint and a voice of its own,” caucus Chairman Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.) said. The Capital Beltway is a highway circling Washington.
The 68-page booklet, “Choices for Change,” is the culmination of a year of consultations by 12 task forces. More than 100 House members participated.
Seek Moderate Approach
The document is the latest attempt by Democrats to project a unified image, a moderate approach and a viable governing plan.
Gephardt said the new blueprint stresses investment in people--training, skills and education--rather than issues such as budget deficit reduction that have been top priorities in the past. He characterized the new strategy as sensible and pragmatic rather than liberal or conservative.
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