After winning this first election, he quickly began to impress others with his work on legislation and on committees dealing with issues such as taxation, food and dairy, and fish and game. Among those who noticed the freshman representative's efforts was Governor Mark Hatfield, who in a 1959 letter called Atiyeh "precisely the kind of young, personable, articulate, able businessman we need." At 35 years old, he was one of group of young House members who became known as the "Young Turks." Atiyeh would serve in the Oregon House for three sessions before moving to the State Senate in 1965.
State Representative
1958 Voter's Pamphlet
Vic Atiyeh first entered politics in 1958, when he ran for State Representative at the encouragement of R.C. "Dutch" Brummer. Filing just before the deadline, he would work to be elected in House District 4, which covered Washington County, just east of Portland.
Atiyeh later recalled that at first, he had "no idea what you do" (Oral history, Tape 3, Side 2, p. 79). He did receive a packet of campaign advice , with helpful tips on everything from conducting opinion polls to the importance of crafting a catchy campaign slogan. He chose the slogan, "A young businessman's energetic interest in new industries, taxes, and schooling." He passed out fliers , put up lawn signs, spoke to constituents, and, in his first electoral contest, won. His campaign expenditures totalled $138.70.
Campaign Advice Packet
Early campaign portrait
1958 Campaign Flier
First Session in the House, 1959
The "Young Turks", 1959
Letter from Gov. Hatfield to Atiyeh
On the Capitol steps, 1963
House Reps with Gov. Hatfield