Chrissy Gephardt joins Showtime's American Candidate

A Gephardt is jumping into the presidential race--the reality television series version. Chrissy Gephardt, the out daughter of former candidate Dick Gephardt, is one of 12 faux candidates vying to be the last one standing in Showtime's American Candidate, a program based on the reality TV phenomenon of CBS's Survivor. Gephardt, a mental health worker who campaigned for her father, planned to "announce" her candidacy Tuesday. Dick Gephardt, the Missouri congressman and former House Democratic leader, abandoned his presidential bid in January after a dismal fourth-place showing in the Iowa caucuses. His daughter is hoping for greater success on cable. Showtime has described the program as a look at the decision-making process and strains of political campaigns. Each week candidates will plot campaign strategy, campaign for support, respond to e-mails from viewers, and make statements aimed at getting public support. At the end of each episode, viewers can vote for their favorite candidate by phone or the Internet. After 10 weeks, the series will end with a showdown between two candidates and then one winner, based on weekly popular votes, polling samples, and program judges. Chrissy Gephardt joins black gay activist and author Keith Boykin on the reality show; Boykin kicked off his campaign Tuesday at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center in New York City.(AP)