Reuters
Wednesday, November 18, 1998; Page A04

House Minority Leader Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.) chose Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.) yesterday to oversee fund-raising efforts for House Democrats as they try to regain the majority in 2000.

Kennedy will serve as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which will wage "a campaign on the ground and in the air to win the handful of seats necessary," Gephardt said.

Democrats won a net gain of five House seats in the Nov. 3 elections, narrowing the Republican Party's majority to 223 to 211 with one independent, Rep. Bernard Sanders (Vt.), who usually votes with the Democrats.

Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.) will be co-chair for member participation, Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.) will be co-chair for voter participation and Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) will be co-chair for finance.