Eugene Atkinson

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Eugene Vincent Atkinson (born April 5, 1927) was a member of the House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.

Atkinson was born in the Pittsburgh Metro Area city of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania and he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. Atkinson was the director of customs for the port of Pittsburgh from 1962 to 1969. Atkinson then served as the Beaver County commissioner from 1972 to 1978. Atkinson was elected to the House as a member of the Democratic Party.

Atkinson was an early supporter of Jimmy Carter in 1976 but in 1980, Atkinson endorsed Ted Kennedy for President. At rallies for Kennedy, Atkinson praised Kennedy's leadership.

While he was on a radio call-in show in 1981, Atkinson was called by President Ronald Reagan and persuaded to support budget cuts.

On October 14, 1981, Atkinson switched parties, joining the Republican Party. Atkinson lost re-election by a 21 percentage point margin in 1982 to Joseph P. Kolter.

[edit] Sources

• Eugene Atkinson at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• The Political Graveyard

Preceded by Gary A. Myers

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 25th congressional district 1979 - 1983

Succeeded by District Eliminated