Reubin Askew (Wikimedia Commons)

Former Florida governor Reubin Askew, known as a fighter for racial equality and ethics reforms during his two terms as governor of Florida in the 1970s, died early Thursday in Tallahassee at 85.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Mr. Askew, as part of a new wave of moderate Southern governors, promoted progressive ideas on racial issues, education, crime, taxation and economic growth.

Mr. Askew had been hospitalized on Saturday with pneumonia and his condition had worsened after having a stroke.

Read more about the death of Reubin Askew at The New York Times, CNN, and USA TODAY.

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