Edward Beard
Edward Beard | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Rhode Island's 2nd district | |
| In office January 3, 1975 – January 3, 1981 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Tiernan |
| Succeeded by | Claudine Schneider |
| Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 30th district | |
| In office 1973–1975 | |
| Preceded by | Leonard W. Forrest Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Raymond J. Gallogly |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 20, 1940 Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Died | January 11, 2021 (aged 80) Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
Edward Peter Beard (January 20, 1940 – January 11, 2021) was an American politician who served in the United States House of Representatives from Rhode Island's 2nd congressional district from 1975 to 1981, as a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1973 to 1975.
Beard was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and dropped out of school in order to financially support his family. He worked as a painter before defeating an incumbent representative in his election to the state legislature. He defeated incumbent U.S. Representative Robert Tiernan for a seat in the U.S. House in 1974. Beard won renomination in 1976 despite not being endorsed by the Democratic Party. He defeated Claudine Schneider in 1978, but lost to her in 1980.
During Beard's tenure in the U.S. House he was criticized for his finances and handling of campaign funds. He was accused of not reporting fundraiser revenue, using campaign funds for personal use, and taking bribes from the mafia.