Former Florida Governor Claude R. Kirk Jr Has Died

Kirk Jr. was the first Republican to hold the office in the 20th century

Former Florida Gov. Claude R. Kirk Jr. has died at age 85.

He was the first Republican to hold that office in the 20th century.

His family says Kirk died peacefully Wednesday in his sleep at his West Palm Beach home.

Democrats dominated Florida politics when Kirk was elected in 1966, but his victory cracked open the door for what eventually became the Republicans' mastery of Tallahassee. < /p>

Although his political rivals derided the colorful insurance executive from Jacksonville, Kirk is credited with changing the course of state government and politics during his four-year term.

Kirk was often referred to as ``Claudius Maximus'' due to his flamboyant personality.

He was born in San Bernardino, Calif., and served as a Marine officer in World War II and the Korean War.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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