Served as the 37th Governor of Florida, known for his progressive policies and advocacy for civil rights, particularly in the areas of education and government transparency.
Reubin Askew, the 37th governor of Florida, is renowned for his unwavering commitment to tax reform, civil rights, and financial transparency, earning him an exceptional reputation for personal integrity.
As a Democratic Party stalwart, Askew served as the 7th U.S. Trade Representative from 1979 to 1980 under President Jimmy Carter, solidifying his stance as a champion of ethical governance.
Born on September 11, 1928, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Askew was the youngest of six children to Leon G. Askew and Alberta O'Donovan Askew. His parents' divorce at the tender age of two set the tone for a life of resilience and determination.
Askew's academic pursuits took him to the University of Florida, where he graduated from the Levin College of Law in 1955. He later served as a military intelligence officer in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, honing his leadership skills in the process.
Askew's foray into politics began in 1958, when he won election to the Florida House of Representatives. Four years later, he secured a seat in the Florida Senate, marking the onset of a remarkable political career.
In 1970, Askew defeated incumbent Republican governor Claude R. Kirk Jr., becoming the first Democrat to hold the office in 12 years. His landslide re-election in 1974 cemented his position as a force to be reckoned with in Florida politics.
During his tenure as governor, Askew distinguished himself as a champion of progressive values, implementing the state's first corporate tax and supporting school desegregation. His leadership earned him recognition as one of the first "New South" governors.
Askew's commitment to transparency led him to introduce the "Sunshine Amendment," which mandated financial disclosure for public officials. This groundbreaking legislation solidified his reputation as a paragon of integrity in politics.
In 1972, Askew delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, further solidifying his national profile. Although he declined an offer to serve as George McGovern's running mate in the presidential election, his stock continued to rise.
After serving as U.S. Trade Representative from 1979 to 1981, Askew pursued the Democratic nomination in the 1984 presidential election, eventually withdrawing from the race. He went on to teach at Florida's public universities, sharing his wealth of experience with future generations.
In 2014, the Tampa Bay Times ranked Askew as the second-best governor in Florida history, a testament to his enduring legacy. The Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University also recognized him as one of the country's top ten governors of the 20th century.
Askew's unwavering commitment to principle has left an indelible mark on American politics, inspiring countless individuals to follow in his footsteps. As a beacon of integrity, he remains an invaluable role model for generations to come.
89 Years Old
The 38th Governor of Florida, a Democrat who served from 1979 to 1987, is known for his progressive policies, environmental advocacy, and chairing the Senate Intelligence Committee during 9/11 investigations.
96 Years Old
A decorated war hero turned politician who served as Governor of Florida, known for his folksy charm and commitment to social justice. He championed education and healthcare reform, earning the nickname "Walkin' Lawton" for his 1,000-mile trek across Florida during his campaign.
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The 43rd Governor of Florida, a Republican politician, and banker who played a key role in shaping the state's education and healthcare policies, and later ran for the US presidency.
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The 44th Governor of Florida, a lawyer and politician, served from 2007 to 2011 and is known for switching parties from Republican to Democrat, and later Independent. He's also recognized for his moderate stance on issues like healthcare and education.
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The 34th Premier of Tasmania, serving from 1989 to 1991, known for his economic reforms and infrastructure development. He played a significant role in shaping Tasmania's economy and politics.
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A U.S. Senator from Florida, known for his conservative views and 2016 presidential campaign. He's a prominent figure in Republican politics, often in the spotlight for his opinions on immigration and foreign policy.
79 Years Old
The 44th Vice President of the United States, a lawyer, and politician who served under President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1993, known for his conservative views and infamous misspelling of "potato" as "potatoe".
