Former Florida Gov. Reubin Askew Dead At 85

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) - Former Gov. Reubin Askew, a major figure in modern Florida political history, died early Thursday at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. Askew was 85.

The former governor was admitted to the hospital Saturday with aspiration pneumonia, and his condition worsened when he suffered a stroke, family spokesman Ron Sachs said.

Askew, a Democrat, served as governor from 1971 to 1979, after a dozen years representing the Pensacola area in the Legislature. Askew defeated incumbent Republican Claude Kirk in 1970 and was re-elected in 1974, becoming the first governor in Florida history to be elected to successive terms.

When he first ran for governor, Askew was a relative unknown. But once in office, Askew led efforts to institute a corporate income tax, while reducing consumer taxes. He also spearheaded approval of what became known as the "Sunshine Amendment," which opened government records and required public officials to disclose information about their financial affairs.

"His accomplishments were vast, but he remained humble and took his commitment to public service seriously. Governor Askew strove to make life better for all of Florida's families, and that dedication is an example for all who followed in his footsteps. Ann and I mourn his passing and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Donna Lou, and his entire family," said Gov. Rick Scott in a statement.

Scott has ordered all flags at local and state buildings to be flown at half staff in respect to Askew until sunset on the date of his internment.

In a 1998 interview with Florida State University's "Research in Review," Askew said he wanted to restore "some sense of responsibility and competence" in the governor's office.

"It sounds awfully corny for me to say this but my goal wasn't (simply) to get elected governor,'' Askew said during the interview. "My goal was to get elected in such a way as I could govern. There's a big difference. … So many people who run for office negotiate away all their options in the pursuit of the office and they literally tie their hands on dealing with the problems, by commitments."

Askew, an attorney, said the Sunshine Amendment stopped "a lot of circuitous business transactions in state and local government."

"Having to report your income is sort of an invasion of privacy and yet, I felt, while it was extraordinary, I felt that it was needed to give some sense of reassurance to the people (about their elected officials),'' he said during the 1998 interview. "Who are they working for? Are they working for themselves or for the people?"

After leaving office, Askew served as the U.S. trade representative from 1979 to 1981. He ran unsuccessfully for president in 1984. He later taught at the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy at Florida State University, where he received a bachelor's degree in 1951.

The former governor is survived by his wife of 57 years, Donna Lou; a son, Kevin Askew; a daughter, Angela White; and several grandchildren. Details of memorial services will be forthcoming.

The News Service of Florida's Jim Saunders contributed to this report.