[2] In 1982, Atkin was challenged for his seat in the Connecticut House by Janet Mills, but was re-elected.
[3] Atkin was defeated for re-election to the Connecticut House by Janet Mills in 1984.
In March 1986, State Senator Andrew Santaniello died unexpectedly, creating a vacancy.
[4] In 1988, he faced a challenge from Republican Michael Lyons, Norwalk Common Council member for the senate seat,[5] but Atkin was re-elected.
Atkin was defeated for re-election to the Connecticut Senate by Robert Genuario in 1990.