Gephardt picks endorsement of black leaders in OKC

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Missouri Congressman and Democratic presidential candidate Dick Gephardt picked up endorsements from black leaders in Oklahoma County Monday morning. <br><br>The endorsements

Monday, January 5th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Missouri Congressman and Democratic presidential candidate Dick Gephardt picked up endorsements from black leaders in Oklahoma County Monday morning.

The endorsements came as Gephardt promoted his health care plan during a speech at the Mary Mahoney Health Clinic. He spoke in Oklahoma City after an earlier campaign stop in McAlester.

Among those endorsing him are state Representative Kevin Cox and the Reverend JA Reid, both of Oklahoma City.

Reid says he and other local black pastors visited with Gephardt and are impressed with his record on issues such as health care and education.

Gephardt says his health care program would give employers a 60% tax credit toward the cost of health care.

He says Oklahoma's February 3rd primary will be crucial for his campaign. He says he expects the field of candidates to be reduced to two or three after that day's primaries in seven states and he plans to be among them.