More House Democrats weighing switch to GOP

Republican national chairman Richard Richards says three or four more Democratic congressman are negotiating to change parties, following the decision by Rep. Eugene V. Atkinson to join the GOP.

Mr. Atkinson, who represents a steel mill district outside Pittsburgh that was carried by Jimmy Carter last year, announced his party switch in the White House Rose Garden with President REagan at his side.

Mr. Richards declined to identify potential converts. But the Washington Post quoted White House and GOP political strategists as saying the likely candidates are Reps. Larry Mc-Donald of georgia, Richard C. Shelby of Alabama, and Ronald M. Mottl of Ohio.