[rightwing2]

Is he retiring from Congress or just his leadership position? I read it as he'll stay in congress and persue the Democrat Primary nomination for President. I really don't know what the MO laws are on this aspect.

I really don't see why he would want to step down from the House leadership to run for President and remain in Congress. He would do better to keep his leadership post since he will likely lose his party's presidential nomination to Gore anyway. He could even create an arrangement whereby Pelosi is appointed Acting Minority Leader for the Dems while Gephardt takes a break from his job.

[deport]

Time and committment to responsibilities in running/managing the democratic agenda in the House would be my guess. By stepping down he can then focus all his efforts on what he deems necessary to secure his parties nomination and not be incumbered by House Leadership responsibilities. JMO.