Edward Beard

{{Short description|American businessman and politician (1940–2021)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2025}} {{for multi|the saloon owner|Ed Beard|the American football player|Ed Beard (American football)}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Edward Beard | image = Edward Beard.png | state = Rhode Island | district = 2nd | preceded = Robert Tiernan | succeeded = Claudine Schneider | term_start = January 3, 1975 | term_end = January 3, 1981 | state_house2 = Rhode Island | district2 = 30th | term_start2 = 1973 | term_end2 = 1975 | predecessor2 = Leonard W. Forrest Jr. | successor2 = Raymond J. Gallogly | birth_date = {{birth date|1940|1|20}} | birth_place = Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | death_date = {{death date and age|2021|1|11|1940|1|20}} | death_place = Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | resting_place = | birth_name = | party = Democratic | spouse = | relations = | children = | education = }}

'''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.

==Early life== Edward Peter Beard was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on January 20, 1940,{{sfn|Beard, Edward Peter}} to Thomas J. Beard and Anna L. Fitzpatrick.{{sfn|Gallogly Funeral Home}}{{sfn|The Providence Journal|2012}} His father died when he was 11 and his sister drowned.{{sfn|Public Office Luring Tavern Owner Again|1981}} He attended Assumption Elementary School and Hope High School, but dropped out to help his mother financially. He completed the General Educational Development while serving as a member of the Rhode Island Army National Guard from 1960 to 1966.{{sfn|Beard, Edward Peter}}{{sfn|Patinkin|2021}}

Beard was a boxer for two years.{{sfn|Szkotak|1981}} He worked as a painter at the Rhode Island School of Design{{sfn|Candidate shy of cash. back at job|1974}} and as a house painter, for which he earned $6,000 in 1973.{{sfn|Beard, Edward Peter}}{{sfn|Cash blocks future for legislator|1974}} He was a member of Painters' Union Local 195, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.{{sfn|Painter-solon plans to seek re-election|1975}} He married Marsha,{{sfn|R.I. solon tries to explain campaign donations|1977}} with whom he had two children.{{sfn|Public Office Luring Tavern Owner Again|1981}}

==Rhode Island House of Representatives== Beard defeated incumbent Leonard W. Forrest Jr. in the 1972 Democratic primary.{{sfn|Primary Takes Toll Solons Unseated|1972}} Beard served as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1973 to 1975.{{sfn|Beard, Edward Peter}}

==U.S. House of Representatives== ===Elections=== For the 1974 election Beard considered running for a seat in the United States House of Representatives or for Governor of Rhode Island.{{sfn|Critic eyes a race for governor|1974}} Beard defeated incumbent U.S. Representative Robert Tiernan for the Democratic nomination in Rhode Island's 2nd congressional district{{sfn|Noel backs Rep. Beard after win|1974}} despite being outspent $41,697 to $8,192.{{sfn|Tiernan outspends foe by 5-1 Common Cause|1974}} Tiernan blamed his decision to change his endorsement in the Providence mayoral primary and his congressional workload for his defeat.{{sfn|Tiernan: primary, workload beat him|1974}} Beard's cash-on-hand fell to $40.15 after the primary.{{sfn|Candidate shy of cash. back at job|1974}} He defeated Republican nominee Vincent J. Rotondo.{{sfn|Moore|Preimesberger|Tarr|2001|p=1160}}

U.S. Senator John Pastore did not seek reelection in the 1976 election. Beard considered seeking the Democratic nomination to succeed Pastore, but chose to run for reelection to the U.S. House citing a lack of campaign funds and wanting to keep his committee positions.{{sfn|Second Term Sought|1976}} Eugene J. McCaffrey Jr., the mayor of Warwick, Rhode Island, defeated Beard for the endorsement of the Democratic State Committee, the first time a Rhode Island congressmember failed to win his party's endorsement.{{sfn|Congressman in R.I. denied endorsement|1976}} However, Beard won the Democratic primary{{sfn|R.I. Democrats failing to support candidates|1976}} and defeated Republican nominee Thomas V. Iannitti in the general election.{{sfn|Moore|Preimesberger|Tarr|2001|p=1165}}

On February 5, 1978, Beard announced that he would seek reelection{{sfn|Reelection sought|1978}} and was endorsed by the Democratic Party.{{sfn|Accident cuts short a speech|1978}} Beard defeated Republican nominee Claudine Schneider in the 1978 election with 52% of the vote.{{sfn|Moore|Preimesberger|Tarr|2001|p=1170}} Beard credited his victory to the coattail effect of appearing on the same ballot as Claiborne Pell and J. Joseph Garrahy.{{sfn|Democrats squeeze by in R.I.|1978}} Beard defeated Stephen J. Fortunato, who spent over $100,000, in the 1980 Democratic primary,{{sfn|Primaries slated Tuesday in 13 states|1980}}{{sfn|R.I. incumbents win easily|1980}} but Schneider defeated Beard in the general election.{{sfn|Schneider, Claudine}}{{sfn|Moore|Preimesberger|Tarr|2001|p=1175}}

===Tenure=== During Beard's tenure he served on the Education, Labor, Aging, and Veterans' Affairs committees.{{sfn|Second Term Sought|1976}} The Blue Collar Caucus was founded by Beard and ten other representatives in 1977,{{sfn|'Blue Collar Caucus' Launched in Congress|1977}} but it was dissolved on February 2, 1979.{{sfn|The News Virginian|1979}} Beard was among the 31 congressmembers who called for Bert Lance, director of the Office of Management and Budget, to resign in response to Lance's banking and financial affairs.{{sfn|14 in delegation ask Lance to quit|1977}}

Pastore did not attend a testimonial dinner by Beard on March 8, 1975. Beard sent a letter to Pastore in which he called Pastore stupid, but later sent a letter expressing regret a week later. Beard also sent negative letters to Governor Philip Noel, Lieutenant Governor J. Joseph Garrahy, and Democratic Chair Charles Reilly.{{sfn|Legislators Feud Over "Insulting" Letter|1975}} In 1977, Beard announced that he would not use testimonials to raise funds for himself.{{sfn|No more testimonials for this lawmaker|1977}}

Jay Solomon, the administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), met with Beard in September 1978 to discuss using Beard as an undercover agent to investigate fraud by painting contractors in the GSA. Beard was a candidate due to his history as a house painter. However, Beard had to focus on his reelection campaign and Solomon hired a team of inspectors.{{sfn|Undercover congressman?|1978}}

Beard endorsed Frank Church during the 1976 Democratic Party presidential primaries.{{sfn|Carter is beginning to look over shoulder at Church and Brown|1976}} Five U.S. representatives, including Beard, launched a draft effort in 1979 to have Ted Kennedy run for the Democratic nomination in the 1980 presidential election.{{sfn|Draft Ted movement starts in D.C.|1979}} Beard announced on August 7, 1979, that he would run as a favorite son in Rhode Island's presidential primary on behalf of Kennedy if Kennedy did not run himself{{sfn|Rhode Island's 'Ed' is a stand-in for Ted|1979}} and filed his candidacy with the Federal Election Commission on August 23.{{sfn|Beard To Run For Kennedy|1979}}

===Finances=== Beard hosted a $50 cocktail party on October 29, 1974, as a campaign fundraiser. He reported receiving $1,100 from the event, but Theodore C. DiStefano claimed that he gave $3,000-5,000 to Beard at the party. Thomas J. Logan, who worked for Beard as a campaign aid, claimed that the cocktail party raised at least $5,000. Chair of the Cranston Democratic City Committee Michael DiRaimo, who handled the money, and Beard stated that only $1,100 was given to Beard and DiRaimo denied receiving money from DiStefano. The Associated Press found four canceled checks totaling $550 sent through DiStefano that were endorsed by DiRaimo and Beard's wife. Beard later said that he accepted $1,000, which was raised from nursing home owners by DiStefano, at a luncheon after the 1974 election.{{sfn|R.I. solon tries to explain campaign donations|1977}} The Associated Press discovered that Beard did not report $1,200 he raised at a 1975 fundraiser.{{sfn|More financial allegations against R.I. Congressman|1977}} The Internal Revenue Service conducted an investigation into Beard and reported on August 11, 1977, that he owed $603.87 in back taxes.{{sfn|Congressman cleared by IRS|1977}}

George E. Conley, president of the Mayflower Savings and Loan Association, gave Beard, who described Conley as a longtime friend, a $6,000 personal check to buy a car in 1976. Conley claimed that the money was not a gift. The money was part of a loan with 6% annual interest, meaning that Beard would pay $500 less than the average car loan holder.{{sfn|Solon says purchase of car on up and up|1977}}

Of the money Beard raised during the 1974 campaign, he used $7,000 for personal expenses. Iannitti accused him of illegally diverting $30,000 of campaign funds for personal use, but did not provide evidence.{{sfn|R.I. solon tries to explain campaign donations|1977}}

Nicholas A. Palmigiano, a mafia hitman, claimed that Beard accepted $5,000 from mob boss Nicholas Bianco in exchange for a favor Beard did for Bianco. Beard was called before a grand jury and questioned about Palmigiano's allegations in 1981.{{sfn|Beard denies mob bribe|1983}}

==Later life== After losing reelection Beard purchased the Batter's Choice Tavern in Central Falls, Rhode Island.{{sfn|Blue-collar champion looks for work|1981}}{{sfn|Cockerham|1981}} He ran for mayor of Providence in 1982,{{sfn|Ex-congressman running for mayor|1982}} but Francis Darigan Jr. defeated him in the Democratic primary.{{sfn|Endorsed Democrats win in Rhode Island|1982}} He attempted to regain his congressional seat, but lost in the Democratic primary to Jack Reed.{{sfn|Sundlun prevails; Jackson gets D.C. nod|1990}} He worked at WHJJ in the 1980s.{{sfn|Shearin|1989}} Beard was director of elderly affairs for Providence from 1986 to 2002. He died in Providence on January 11, 2021,{{sfn|Beard, Edward Peter}} after suffering from Parkinson's disease.{{sfn|Patinkin|2021}}

==Political positions== In 1974, Beard proposed legislation to require all new municipal and state buildings constructed in Rhode Island to be handicap accessible.{{sfn|R.I. Senate eyes bill ousting politics from choice of judges|1974}} Public Citizen gave Beard a score of 46% in 1976.{{sfn|Nader group gives consumer support ratings|1976}} He voted in favor of the District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment.<ref>{{USCongRec|1978|H5263|date=March 2, 1978}} [https://www.congress.gov/95/crecb/1978/03/02/GPO-CRECB-1978-pt4-7-1.pdf Archived]</ref>

The United Steelworkers's unionization effort at General Dynamics Electric Boat's plant at Quonset Point in 1977 was supported by Beard.{{sfn|Stets|1977}} He advocated for victims of byssinosis and criticized the South Carolina General Assembly due to byssinosis in the state.{{sfn|Brownlung plight ignored|1980}}

In response to rising oil prices, Beard called for oil dealers in Rhode Island to volunterarily price control their products.{{sfn|The Boston Globe|1974}} Beard initially supported nuclear power plants, but withdrew his support for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Charlestown, Rhode Island after the Three Mile Island accident.{{sfn|State legislator joins anti-nuke forces|1979}} In 1980, Beard accused 50 members of congress of being "bought off" by the oil industry and cited a report showing $3.9 million in political donations.{{sfn|50 congressmen tied to oil dollars|1980}}

John Chafee, Fernand St Germain, Pell, and Beard introduced legislation in 1978 to appropriate $3.5 million in order to settle the Narragansett people's land claims in Charlestown.{{sfn|Indians' claim bill filed in Rhode Island|1978}} The government would purchase 900 acres of land with the money and the state government would donate an additional 900 acres of land.{{sfn|Indian claims bill nearly law|1978}} Beard voted in favor of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978.<ref>{{USCongRec|1978|H21443|date=July 18, 1978}} [https://www.congress.gov/95/crecb/1978/07/18/GPO-CRECB-1978-pt16-4-2.pdf Archived]</ref>

Beard supported the anti-abortion movement.{{sfn|Reelection sought|1978}} Beard voted to prohibit the usage of Medicaid funds for abortions.{{sfn|House votes to ban abortion funds|1977}} He voted in favor of the Hyde Amendment.<ref>{{USCongRec|1976|H34073|date=September 30, 1976}} [https://www.congress.gov/94/crecb/1976/09/30/GPO-CRECB-1976-pt26-2-2.pdf Archived]</ref>

Beard sent a letter to Tip O'Neill, Jimmy Carter, and the United States Government Accountability Office requesting that the government seize assets from the Peoples Temple and that taxpayer money not be spent on identifying and airlifting the victims of the Jonestown massacre.{{sfn|Patterson|1978}}

===Foreign policy=== Beard went to Nicosia, Cyprus, in 1975, but was blocked by Turkish soldiers from entering the portion of the city held by the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus.{{sfn|Legislator Barred|1975}} Kâmran İnan, a member of the Senate of the Republic, created the incident "just to create a public image".{{sfn|Turks say an incident 'engineered'|1975}} Beard was critical of the United States sending weapons to Turkey due to the conflict in Cyprus.{{sfn|Cyprus envoy R.I. speaker|1975}}

Beard criticized Garrahy for meeting with Deng Xiaoping and stated that it would be like if Garrahy met with Adolf Hitler. Beard was the only member of Rhode Island's congressional delegation to oppose normalizing relations with China.{{sfn|Sunday's People|1979}} He voted in favor of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979.<ref>{{USCongRec|1979|H6606|date=March 28, 1979}} [https://www.congress.gov/96/crecb/1979/03/28/GPO-CRECB-1979-pt5-7-2.pdf Archived]</ref>

In response to the Iran hostage crisis Beard called for all Iranians to be expelled from the United States. He was critical of students from Iran who participated in protests against the United States.{{sfn|Ouster of all Iranians sought|1979}} He requested that UN Ambassador Donald McHenry ask all member nations of the United Nations to boycott Iranian oil until the hostages were released.{{sfn|Iranian boycott wanted|1979}}

Beard was critical of Interpol and stated that it was a "definite threat to the privacy and basic human rights" of Americans.{{sfn|Walters|1975}}

==Electoral history== {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;" |+ {{sronly|Electoral history of Edward Beard}} ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" rowspan=2 | Year ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" rowspan=2 | Office ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=2 rowspan=2 | Party ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=3 | Primary ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=3 | General ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" rowspan=2 | Result ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" rowspan=2 | {{abbr|Ref|Reference}}. |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | Total ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | % ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | {{abbr|P|Position}}. ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | Total ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | % ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | {{abbr|P|Position}}. |- | style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | 1974 | United States House of Representatives (RI-2nd) | style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};";" | | Democratic | | | | 124,759 | 78.23% | 1st | {{yes|won}} | {{sfn|Moore|Preimesberger|Tarr|2001|p=1160}} |- | style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | 1976 | United States House of Representatives (RI-2nd) | style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};";" | | Democratic | | | | 154,453 | 77.27% | 1st | {{yes|won}} | {{sfn|Moore|Preimesberger|Tarr|2001|p=1165}} |- | style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | 1978 | United States House of Representatives (RI-2nd) | style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};";" | | Democratic | | | | 87,397 | 52.61% | 1st | {{yes|won}} | {{sfn|Moore|Preimesberger|Tarr|2001|p=1170}} |- | style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | 1980 | United States House of Representatives (RI-2nd) | style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};";" | | Democratic | | | | 92,970 | 44.69% | 2nd | {{no|lost}} | {{sfn|Moore|Preimesberger|Tarr|2001|p=1175}} |- | style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | 1990 | United States House of Representatives (RI-2nd) | style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};";" | | Democratic | 20,201 | 27.77% | 2nd | colspan=3 {{n/a|Not nominated}} | {{no|lost}} | {{sfn|USA Today|1990}} |- |}

==References== {{reflist}}

==Works cited== {{refbegin|30em}} ===Books=== * {{cite book|editor-last1=Moore |editor-first1=John |editor-last2=Preimesberger |editor-first2=Jon |editor-last3=Tarr |editor-first3=David |title=Congressional Quarterly's Guide to U.S. Elections |publisher=Congressional Quarterly |year=2001 |isbn=1-56802-602-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/congressionalqua0002unse |url-access=registration}}

===News=== * {{Cite news |date=September 21, 1977 |title=14 in delegation ask Lance to quit |page=34 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe/183959880/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|14 in delegation ask Lance to quit|1977}}}} * {{Cite news |date=March 30, 1980 |title=50 congressmen tied to oil dollars |page=A8 |work=Connecticut Post |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/connecticut-post/184043431/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|50 congressmen tied to oil dollars|1980}}}} * {{Cite news |date=June 12, 1978 |title=Accident cuts short a speech |page=2 |work=Daily Hampshire Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-hampshire-gazette/184015159/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Accident cuts short a speech|1978}}}} * {{Cite news |date=February 5, 1983 |title=Beard denies mob bribe |page=2 |work=The Bulletin |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bulletin/184045804/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Beard denies mob bribe|1983}}}} * {{Cite news |date=August 25, 1979 |title=Beard To Run For Kennedy |page=6 |work=Hartford Courant |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hartford-courant/184033876/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Beard To Run For Kennedy|1979}}}} * {{Cite news |date=April 6, 1977 |title='Blue Collar Caucus' Launched in Congress |page=16 |work=Hartford Courant |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hartford-courant/183957618/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|'Blue Collar Caucus' Launched in Congress|1977}}}} * {{Cite news |date=February 19, 1981 |title=Blue-collar champion looks for work |page=32 |work=The Berkshire Eagle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-berkshire-eagle/184044145/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Blue-collar champion looks for work|1981}}}} * {{Cite news |date=March 27, 1980 |title=Brownlung plight ignored |page=7 |work=The Daily Item |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-item/184043301/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Brownlung plight ignored|1980}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 17, 1974 |title=Candidate shy of cash. back at job |page=12 |work=The Newport Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newport-daily-news/183687433/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Candidate shy of cash. back at job|1974}}}} * {{Cite news |date=May 28, 1976 |title=Carter is beginning to look over shoulder at Church and Brown |page=16 |work=Daily Hampshire Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-hampshire-gazette/183713083/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Carter is beginning to look over shoulder at Church and Brown|1976}}}} * {{Cite news |date=January 15, 1974 |title=Cash blocks future for legislator |page=5 |work=The Newport Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newport-daily-news/183646329/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Cash blocks future for legislator|1974}}}} * {{Cite news |date=August 12, 1977 |title=Congressman cleared by IRS |page=13 |work=Morning Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-union/183959639/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Congressman cleared by IRS|1977}}}} * {{Cite news |date=June 11, 1976 |title=Congressman in R.I. denied endorsement |page=14 |work=Daily Hampshire Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-hampshire-gazette/183713049/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Congressman in R.I. denied endorsement|1976}}}} * {{Cite news |date=February 4, 1974 |title=Critic eyes a race for governor |page=24 |work=The Newport Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newport-daily-news/183646405/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Critic eyes a race for governor|1974}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 5, 1975 |title=Cyprus envoy R.I. speaker |page=23 |work=Daily Hampshire Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-hampshire-gazette/183710446/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Cyprus envoy R.I. speaker|1975}}}} * {{Cite news |date=November 8, 1978 |title=Democrats squeeze by in R.I. |page=2 |work=North Adams Transcript |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/north-adams-transcript/184015718/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Democrats squeeze by in R.I.|1978}}}} * {{Cite news |date=May 22, 1979 |title=Draft Ted movement starts in D.C. |page=8 |work=Morning Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-union/184033705/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Draft Ted movement starts in D.C.|1979}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 15, 1982 |title=Endorsed Democrats win in Rhode Island |page=7 |work=Journal Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/journal-tribune/184364219/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Endorsed Democrats win in Rhode Island|1982}}}} * {{Cite news |date=January 6, 1982 |title=Ex-congressman running for mayor |page=21 |work=The Berkshire Eagle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-berkshire-eagle/184044958/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Ex-congressman running for mayor|1982}}}} * {{Cite news |date=June 18, 1977 |title=House votes to ban abortion funds |page=12 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe/183959961/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|House votes to ban abortion funds|1977}}}} * {{Cite news |date=May 25, 1978 |title=Indians' claim bill filed in Rhode Island |page=5 |work=Daily Hampshire Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-hampshire-gazette/184014959/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Indians' claim bill filed in Rhode Island|1978}}}} * {{Cite news |date=July 27, 1978 |title=Indian claims bill nearly law |page=A11 |work=The Recorder |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-recorder/184015412/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Indian claims bill nearly law|1978}}}} * {{Cite news |date=November 14, 1979 |title=Iranian boycott wanted |page=A11 |work=The Recorder |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-recorder/184034160/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Iranian boycott wanted|1979}}}} * {{Cite news |date=July 6, 1975 |title=Legislator Barred |page=A4 |work=Connecticut Post |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/connecticut-post/183709772/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Legislator Barred|1975}}}} * {{Cite news |date=March 13, 1975 |title=Legislators Feud Over "Insulting" Letter |page=2 |work=Naugatuck Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newport-daily-news/183687433/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Legislators Feud Over "Insulting" Letter|1975}}}} * {{Cite news |date=June 21, 1977 |title=More financial allegations against R.I. Congressman |page=18 |work=Daily Hampshire Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-hampshire-gazette/183959459/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|More financial allegations against R.I. Congressman|1977}}}} * {{Cite news |date=October 29, 1976 |title=Nader group gives consumer support ratings |page=12 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe/183713253/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Nader group gives consumer support ratings|1976}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 11, 1974 |title=Noel backs Rep. Beard after win |page=32 |work=The Newport Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newport-daily-news/183687758/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Noel backs Rep. Beard after win|1974}}}} * {{Cite news |date=May 23, 1977 |title=No more testimonials for this lawmaker |page=2 |work=Daily Hampshire Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-hampshire-gazette/183958414/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|No more testimonials for this lawmaker|1977}}}} * {{Cite news |date=January 8, 1974 |title=Oil price freeze sought in R.I. |page=9 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe/183646278/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|The Boston Globe|1974}}}} * {{Cite news |date=November 8, 1979 |title=Ouster of all Iranians sought |page=31 |work=The Newport Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-hampshire-gazette/184034092/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Ouster of all Iranians sought|1979}}}} * {{Cite news |date=August 7, 1975 |title=Painter-solon plans to seek re-election |page=8 |work=Daily Hampshire Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-hampshire-gazette/183710050/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Painter-solon plans to seek re-election|1975}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 7, 1980 |title=Primaries slated Tuesday in 13 states |page=C9 |work=Connecticut Post |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/connecticut-post/184043676/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Primaries slated Tuesday in 13 states|1980}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 13, 1972 |title=Primary Takes Toll Solons Unseated |page=1 |work=The Newport Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newport-daily-news/183687433/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Primary Takes Toll Solons Unseated|1972}}}} * {{Cite news |date=February 6, 1978 |title=Reelection sought |page=3 |work=Morning Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-union/184013471/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Reelection sought|1978}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 16, 1976 |title=R.I. Democrats failing to support candidates |page=22 |work=Daily Hampshire Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-hampshire-gazette/183713229/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|R.I. Democrats failing to support candidates|1976}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 10, 1980 |title=R.I. incumbents win easily |page=24 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe/184043733/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|R.I. incumbents win easily|1980}}}} * {{Cite news |date=March 22, 1974 |title=R.I. Senate eyes bill ousting politics from choice of judges |page=2 |work=The Newport Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newport-daily-news/183685692/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|R.I. Senate eyes bill ousting politics from choice of judges|1974}}}} * {{Cite news |date=May 26, 1977 |title=R.I. solon tries to explain campaign donations |page=14 |work=Daily Hampshire Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-hampshire-gazette/183959235/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|R.I. solon tries to explain campaign donations|1977}}}} * {{Cite news |date=August 8, 1979 |title=Rhode Island's 'Ed' is a stand-in for Ted |page=18 |work=Morning Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-union/184033779/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Rhode Island's 'Ed' is a stand-in for Ted|1979}}}} * {{Cite news |date=January 21, 1976 |title=Second Term Sought |page=34 |work=Bridgeport Telegram |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/bridgeport-telegram/183712862/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Second Term Sought|1976}}}} * {{Cite news |date=May 18, 1977 |title=Solon says purchase of car on up and up |page=21 |work=Daily Hampshire Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-hampshire-gazette/183958293/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Solon says purchase of car on up and up|1977}}}} * {{Cite news |date=April 2, 1979 |title=State legislator joins anti-nuke forces |page=28 |work=The Berkshire Eagle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-berkshire-eagle/184033395/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|State legislator joins anti-nuke forces|1979}}}} * {{Cite news |date=January 28, 1979 |title=Sunday's People |page=2 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe/184033218/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Sunday's People|1979}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 12, 1990 |title=Sundlun prevails; Jackson gets D.C. nod |page=B6 |work=The Bulletin |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bulletin/184045160/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Sundlun prevails; Jackson gets D.C. nod|1990}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 7, 1974 |title=Tiernan outspends foe by 5-1 Common Cause |page=12 |work=The Newport Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newport-daily-news/183687686/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Tiernan outspends foe by 5-1 Common Cause|1974}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 26, 1974 |title=Tiernan: primary, workload beat him |page=10 |work=The Newport Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newport-daily-news/183688016/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Tiernan: primary, workload beat him|1974}}}} * {{Cite news |date=July 9, 1975 |title=Turks say an incident 'engineered' |page=17 |work=Daily Hampshire Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-hampshire-gazette/183709884/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Turks say an incident 'engineered'|1975}}}} * {{Cite news |date=December 13, 1978 |title=Undercover congressman? |page=12 |work=Morning Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-union/184015838/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Undercover congressman?|1978}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 13, 1990 |title=Unofficial returns in Tuesday voting |page=2A |work=USA Today |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/usa-today/184364033/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|USA Today|1990}}}} * {{Cite news |date=February 3, 1979 |title=Washington News Briefs |page=2 |work=The News Virginian |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-virginian/184363627/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|The News Virginian|1979}}}} * {{Cite news |last=Cockerham |first=William |date=May 25, 1981 |title=From Capitol Hill to a Bar, Ex-Painter's Been Around |page=A1 |work=Hartford Courant |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hartford-courant/184044197/ |via=Newspapers.com}} * {{Cite news |last=Cockerham |first=William |date=May 25, 1981 |title=Public Office Luring Tavern Owner Again |page=A5 |work=Hartford Courant |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hartford-courant/184044247/ |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Public Office Luring Tavern Owner Again|1981}}}} * {{Cite news |last=Patinkin |first=Mark |date=January 15, 2021 |title=So long to Eddie Beard, the workingman's congressman |work=The Providence Journal |url=https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/columns/2021/01/14/eddie-beard-ri-painter-who-became-congressman-dies-age-80/4158640001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301200055/https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/columns/2021/01/14/eddie-beard-ri-painter-who-became-congressman-dies-age-80/4158640001/ |archive-date=March 1, 2021}} * {{Cite news |last=Patterson |first=Rachelle |date=November 29, 1978 |title=US is urged not to pay Guyana cost |page=19 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe/184015793/ |via=Newspapers.com}} * {{Cite news |last=Shearin |first=Kimberly |date=June 4, 1989 |title=Ex-politicians have their say as hosts of radio talk shows |page=B10 |work=The Republican |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-republican/184045586/ |via=Newspapers.com}} * {{Cite news |last=Stets |first=Dan |date=November 11, 1977 |title=Quonset union is backed |page=1 |work=The Day |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-day/183960160/ |via=Newspapers.com}} * {{Cite news |last=Szkotak |first=Steve |date=December 27, 1981 |title=Tavern Political Springboard |page=A10 |work=Daily Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-press/184363964/ |via=Newspapers.com}} * {{Cite news |last=Walters |first=Robert |date=November 9, 1975 |title=Does Interpol Threaten Your Privacy? |page=9 |work=Morning Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-union/183710363/ |via=Newspapers.com}}

===Web=== * {{cite web |title=Beard, Edward Peter |publisher=United States House of Representatives |url=https://history.house.gov/People/Listing/B/BEARD,-Edward-Peter-(B000279)/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250326155023/https://history.house.gov/People/Listing/B/BEARD,-Edward-Peter-(B000279)/ |archive-date=March 26, 2025 |access-date=October 25, 2025 |ref={{harvid|Beard, Edward Peter}}}} * {{cite web |title=Congressman Edward P. Beard |publisher=Gallogly Funeral Home |url=https://www.galloglyfuneralhome.com/obituary/CongressmanEdward-Beard |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251108060109/https://www.galloglyfuneralhome.com/obituary/CongressmanEdward-Beard |archive-date=November 8, 2025 |ref={{harvid|Gallogly Funeral Home}}}} * {{cite web |title=Schneider, Claudine - Extended Biography |publisher=United States House of Representatives |url=https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/21306 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250317145316/https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/21306 |archive-date=March 17, 2025 |access-date=October 25, 2025 |ref={{harvid|Schneider, Claudine}}}} * {{cite web |title=Thomas Beard Obituary |publisher=The Providence Journal |url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/providence/name/thomas-beard-obituary?id=15519379 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251108055949/https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/providence/name/thomas-beard-obituary?id=15519379 |archive-date=November 8, 2025 |ref={{harvid|The Providence Journal|2012}}}}

{{refend}}

==External links== {{CongBio|B000279}}

{{s-start}} {{s-par|us-ri-hs}} {{s-bef|before=Leonard W. Forrest, Jr.}} {{s-ttl|title=Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives<br>from the 30th district|years=1972–1974}} {{s-aft|after=Raymond J. Gallogly}} |- {{s-off|us}} {{US House succession box | state=Rhode Island | district=2 | before=Robert Tiernan | years=1975–1981 | after=Claudine Schneider }} {{s-end}}

{{United States representatives from Rhode Island}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Beard, Edward}} Category:1940 births Category:2021 deaths Category:Businesspeople from Providence, Rhode Island Category:Democratic Party United States representatives from Rhode Island Category:House painters Category:Democratic Party members of the Rhode Island House of Representatives Category:Politicians from Providence, Rhode Island Category:Rhode Island National Guard personnel Category:Deaths from Parkinson's disease in Rhode Island Category:20th-century United States representatives Category:20th-century members of the Rhode Island General Assembly