Abbitt, Watkins Moorman, 1908-1998

Congressman from Virginia.

Born in Appomatox County, Virginia in 1908. Received his Law Degree from the University of Richmond, in 1931. Served for 16 years as Commonwealth Attorney for Appomatox County. Served as presidential elector for the 4th district of Virginia in 1944, and was a delegate to the 1945 State Constitutional Convention. Elected to the House of Representatives from 1948-1973, representing the 4th District of Virginia. State Chairman of the Virginia Democratic Party from 1964-1970. Abbitt was a conservative Democrat who opposed court ordered desegregation, and was a leading spokesman for the Massive Resistance movement in Virginia. He was also an outspoken critic of the U.S. Supreme Court.

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