Joseph D. Early
American politician (1933–2012)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Joseph Daniel Early (January 31, 1933 – November 9, 2012) was an American politician. He represented the third district of Massachusetts in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1975 to 1993.
January 31, 1933
Joseph D. Early | |
|---|---|
| |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 3rd district | |
| In office January 3, 1975 – January 3, 1993 | |
| Preceded by | Harold Donohue |
| Succeeded by | Peter I. Blute |
| Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives | |
| In office 1963–1974 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Joseph Daniel Early January 31, 1933 |
| Died | November 9, 2012 (aged 79) Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Resting place | Saint John's Cemetery, Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Marilyn Powers Early |
| Alma mater | College of the Holy Cross (BS) |
| Profession | teacher |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch/service | .svg){kind=small} United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1955–1957 |
Early life
Early was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on January 31, 1933. He attended Saint John's High School, and received a B.S. degree from College of the Holy Cross, graduating in 1955. He served in United States Navy, 1955–1957. Following his time in the Navy he was employed as a high school teacher and basketball coach in Shrewsbury and Spencer.
Political career
Early served six terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1963 to 1974. He was a delegate to Massachusetts State Democratic conventions from 1964 to 1970, and was elected as a Democrat to the 94th and to the eight succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1975 – January 3, 1993). He lost re-election in 1992 to Republican Peter I. Blute, in the aftermath of his implication in the House banking scandal and a nepotism scandal involving his brother George's employment in the Congressional Folding Room.[1]
After his involvement in the House banking scandal came to light, Early gave a fiery speech to an empty House chamber where loudly said of his critics, "They ran like rats!!!", leading to widespread ridicule.[2][3]
During his time in congress Early was regarded as one of the most "obscure" house representatives, neglecting to hold a press conference until 1990 and never hiring a press secretary.[4] He died on November 9, 2012.[5] His son, Joseph Early, Jr., today serves as the Worcester County District Attorney.
