Democrats had better hope for positive improvement over the next year. <a HREF="http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/politics/6089951.htm">Come July, there will be fireworks in Jefferson City</a> <i>............. <b>Gephardt in Missouri:</b> A new poll out last week from Research 2000 showed Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri with a commanding home state lead among Democratic presidential contenders. Gephardt led second-place Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts 45 percent to 13 percent. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut was third at 11 percent, while former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean was fourth at 9 percent. A hypothetical matchup with President Bush in the general election wasn't as rosy. The poll showed Bush trouncing Gephardt 52 percent to 38 percent. </i>
