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Lawton Mainor Chiles JrAmerican politician
Date of Birth: 03.04.1930
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Lawton Chiles: A Political Trailblazer
- Military Service and Legal Career
- Early Political Career
- U.S. Senate
- Moderate Legislator and Committee Chair
- Battle with Depression and Retirement from the Senate
- Governor of Florida
- Gubernatorial Priorities and Legacy
- Death and Legacy
Lawton Chiles: A Political Trailblazer
Early Life and EducationLawton Chiles was born on April 3, 1930, in Polk County, Florida, near the city of Lakeland. He attended public schools and went on to the University of Florida, graduating in 1952. In college, Chiles was active in student politics, was inducted into the university's honor society, Florida Blue Key, and was recognized in the university's Hall of Fame, the highest honor a student can achieve. He was also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
Military Service and Legal Career
Upon graduation, Chiles served in Korea as an artillery officer in the U.S. Army. After the war, he returned to the University of Florida and earned a law degree in 1955. That same year, he passed the Florida Bar and established a law practice in Lakeland. He married Rhea Chiles, who had also attended the University of Florida and led the university's women's student government.
Early Political Career
In 1958, Chiles was elected to the Florida House of Representatives as a Democrat. He served there until 1966, when he took a seat in the State Senate, which he held until 1970. In 1968, Chiles served on the Florida Constitution Revision Commission.
U.S. Senate
In 1970, Chiles decided to run for the United States Senate. Despite his 12 years of service in the state legislature, he was virtually unknown outside of Lakeland. To gain media attention, Chiles embarked on a 1,003-mile walk across the state, from Pensacola to Key West, which took 91 days. The walk gave him the recognition he sought and earned him the nickname "Walkin' Lawton," which would stick with him for the rest of his life.
Moderate Legislator and Committee Chair
Chiles was reelected to the Senate in 1976 and 1982. He was considered a moderate legislator and served as Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging in the 96th Congress (1979-1981) and as Chairman of the powerful Budget Committee in the 100th Congress (1987-1989).
Battle with Depression and Retirement from the Senate
In 1985, he underwent heart surgery and was frustrated with the slow pace of the Senate after his recovery. Chiles announced that he would not seek reelection to the Senate and eventually lost his seat to Republican Connie Mack.
Governor of Florida
After his surgery, Chiles suffered from clinical depression and retired from the Senate in 1989. He considered leaving politics altogether, but supporters convinced him to run for Governor of Florida, challenging incumbent Republican Governor Bob Martinez. In the Democratic primary, his opponent, Bill Nelson, attempted to attack Chiles' age and poor health, which backfired in the "retirement state."
Gubernatorial Priorities and Legacy
Chiles was elected as Governor twice, focusing on healthcare, school construction, and rebuilding Florida's economy after the devastating Hurricane Andrew.
Death and Legacy
On December 12, 1998, just three weeks before he was set to retire, Chiles collapsed and died of a heart attack in the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee, Florida, while exercising on a stationary bicycle. He was 68 years old.
