By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – 
One of Missouri's most influential politicians is ending his career in public life.
Friends and family of Democrat Richard Gephardt will join some of his former colleagues tonight (Thursday) in paying tribute to the 28-year congressman with a dinner in his honor.
Gephardt served as both majority and minority leader in the House and ran for President twice.
In looking back on those years, Gephardt told KWMU's Kevin Lavery that his most important contributions have been the projects and services he helped bring home to his district.
To hear the interview, click on the 'listen' icon above.