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. 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. 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. He died on November 9, 2012. His son, Joseph Early, Jr., today serves as the Worcester County District Attorney. ==References==