  We have compiled a sample of 21 low redshift (z < 0.3), luminous active
galactic nuclei (AGN) with large Balmer decrements (Halpha/Hbeta > 7) using the
galaxy and QSO catalogs of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Early Data Release.
Using this sample we attempt to determine the fraction of quasars with large
internal absorption. We find that these AGN have Strong [O III] and broad
Halpha emission, and that starlight dominates the spectra in the blue band,
suggesting that these objects are heavily reddened. Their narrow emission line
ratios are similar to those of Seyfert 2 galaxies, yet the average [O III]5007
emission is ~10 times more luminous. Applying the empirical relation between
the optical continuum and the Balmer line luminosity for blue quasars, we find
that the intrinsic luminosities of these 21 objects are in the range for
quasars. We propose that they are obscured, intermediate type quasars analogous
to type 1.8 and 1.9 Seyfert galaxies. The ratio of these optically selected,
intermediate type quasars to type 1 quasars are found to be around 1, similar
to that for local Seyfert galaxies. Preliminary study indicates that most of
these quasars are hosted in early type galaxies.
