1929—, U.S. Senator (1968—87), b. St. Louis, Mo. Admitted to the bar in 1953, he entered Democratic politics in Missouri and served as circuit attorney for St. Louis (1957—60), state attorney general (1961—65), and lieutenant governor (1965—68). He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1967. Eagleton was nominated (July 13, 1972) for the vice presidency on the ticket with Senator George S. McGovern. Shortly thereafter he admitted that he had been three times hospitalized for nervous exhaustion and twice received electric shock therapy. After days of indecision and mounting pressure from the press and party leaders, Eagleton, at first supported by McGovern, withdrew (July 31, 1972) from the ticket at McGovern's request and was replaced by Sargent Shriver.
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