Gephardt to Quit, Sources Say

Missouri Rep. Richard A. Gephardt decided Sunday to withdraw from the Democratic presidential race after a dismal performance in the Michigan caucuses, sources said.

The candidate scheduled a Washington news conference this afternoon to announce what was said to be his exit from the campaign and his decision to seek a seventh term from his St. Louis congressional district.

Gephardt, 47, made the decision after spending the day conferring with top advisers and discussing his future with his wife and three children at their home in Great Falls, Va. His campaign would not elaborate in announcing the news conference set for 12 p.m. PST in the House Caucus Room near the Capitol, but sources close to the candidate confirmed his intentions.

Gephardt’s disappointing showing in Michigan came just 45 days after the glory of his victory in Iowa caucuses that kicked off the presidential season. He would be the third Democrat to drop out since then. Former Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt withdrew after the Feb. 16 New Hampshire primary and former Colorado Sen. Gary Hart got out for the second time after the March 8 Super Tuesday voting concentrated in the South.

The Michigan caucuses proved to be a smashing victory for the Rev. Jesse Jackson, a blow to Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis’ bid for clear front-runner status and the apparent end to Gephardt’s faint hope of a comeback after a string of defeats.

The Missouri congressman finished a distant third despite hopes that his tough trade message would have wide appeal in a state where the automobile industry is king and unemployment is higher than the national average.

In St. Louis, John Temporiti, who was a Democratic candidate for the Gephardt seat, said the congressman had sent word he would return home and file the necessary papers by a Tuesday deadline to seek reelection.