awton
Chiles became Florida's 41st governor in 1991.
A fourth-generation Floridian, Chiles has been a strong champion for
the state's children and families. Throughout his four decades of public
service — as a state legislator, as a United States Senator and
as Governor — Chiles held children's and family issues close to
his heart.
From
his legendary walk 1,003 miles across the state during the 1970 U.S.
Senate campaign to placing a $100 limit on individual campaign contributions
during his two gubernatorial races, Chiles demonstrated an uncanny sense
of political style and timing. With his genuine down-home manner, strong
work ethic and a ready ear always ready to listen to his constituents,
"Walkin' Lawton Chiles" worked his way into the hearts of Floridians
— and never lost an election. In 1994, after winning a second term
as governor in one of the most memorable races in Florida history, Chiles
became the only "big-state" Democrat to remain sitting as governor.
