Eugene Atkinson

Eugene Atkinson
Atkinson pictured during his first term in Congress, c. 1979
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 25th district
In office January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1983
Preceded by	Gary A. Myers
Succeeded by	District eliminated
Personal details
Born	(1927-04-05) April 5, 1927 Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
Political party	Republican (1981-Present) Democratic

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.

Sources

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