Daniel Flood Succumbs At 90 -- Once-Powerful Congressman Ended His Career In Disgrace

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - Daniel Flood was a hero to his constituents. To others, he was a crook who lived up to the image projected by his villainous-looking waxed mustache and penchant for capes.

Mr. Flood died yesterday at Mercy Hospital. He was 90, his body racked by pneumonia, a stroke, a bloodstream infection and kidney failure, said Dr. Vincent Drapiewski.

Known as "Dapper Dan" for his debonair clothes, Mr. Flood ended his 32 years in Congress in disgrace in 1980, pleading guilty to conspiracy after a jury was unable to reach a verdict on 13 counts of bribery, perjury and conspiracy.

Michael Clark, Mr. Flood's aide from 1968 to 1980, said history will put his actions in perspective.

"Those Flood years will probably surface in glowing contrast to what is going on today in Washington," Clark said.

Prosecutors alleged the Democrat used his powerful position as chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on labor, health, education and welfare to line his pockets with thousands of dollars from contractors and lobbyists.

Before a second trial could begin, Mr. Flood pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. He was fined and placed on one year's probation.

He returned home to Wilkes-Barre in northeastern Pennsylvania, where people remembered him more for his work on behalf of coal miners and flood victims than for his legal troubles.

About 80,000 people were forced from their homes in 1972 by a devastating flood from Tropical Storm Agnes. Mr. Flood took credit for mobilizing federal aid, including winning quick congressional approval of low-interest loans and tax breaks for the victims.

Several years before his trial, Mr. Flood spoke of the power he enjoyed.

"Nobody has more clout than Dan Flood," he said. "Defense and HEW (Department of Health, Education and Welfare) go through my hands. Chum, that's a big role. . . . Luckily, I'm a nice fellow. I can help out a lot of nice people."

In the last 14 years, Mr. Flood maintained a low profile, venturing out publicly only occasionally.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete yesterday.