Floyd Fithian, 1927-2003: Rest In Peace

LAFAYETTE, Ind., July 6 (AP) � Floyd Fithian, a former United States representative from Indiana and professor at Purdue University, died on June 27 at a retirement home in Annandale, Va. He was 76.

Mr. Fithian, a Democrat who was also a farmer, represented the heavily Republican Lafayette area in Congress from 1975 to 1983.

In 1976, Mr. Fithian became the first Democrat to win re-election in the area, and he held the seat for three elections.

After he lost his seat, he never again sought elective office, but he became chief of staff for Paul Simon when he was a senator from Illinois. Mr. Fithian was Mr. Simon's top aide and fund-raiser until 1992.