Democrats are pledging unity with President Bush in the fight against terrorism, and say they will work with Mr. Bush to find ways to boost the economy.

In the response to the president's State of the Union address, House of Representatives Minority Leader Richard Gephardt of Missouri said no act of violence will drive the country's major parties apart or steer them away from protecting the country.

To defeat terrorism, he said the U.S. economy must be strong, with good jobs, solid Social Security and Medicare programs, and a government that does not overspend. Mr. Gephardt called for tax cuts to promote growth and raising the minimum wage to keep workers out of poverty.

He said Democrats and Republicans need to find ways to respect and trust each other. He said leaders of both parties should come together at the White House next month to decide on a economic stimulus plan.

Mr. Gephardt also urged the president to support campaign finance reform. He said the bankrupt energy-trading giant Enron used large donations to influence Washington, and that such use of "big money" in politics needs to be eliminated.

Email this article to a friend
Printer Friendly Version