Rep. Kennedy Loses Bid for Key Seat

Rep. Chester G. Atkins (D-Mass.) defeated Rep. Joseph Kennedy (D-Mass.) by one vote Tuesday in a contest for an open seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

A spokesman for Atkins, a two-term congressman, said that he received 9 votes to 8 for Kennedy in a caucus of Democrats. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), who intervened in the House contest on behalf of his nephew, telephoned his congratulations to Atkins and pledged to work with him on issues important to Massachusetts and Atkins’ district, the spokesman added.

Atkins is expected to get final approval from the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee today to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Rep. Edward P. Boland (D-Mass.).