Kirk, Claude R., 1926-2011

Claude Roy Kirk, Jr. was born in San Bernardino, California on January 7, 1926. He received a B.S. Degree from Emory University in 1945, and a law degree from the University of Alabama in 1949. In 1956, Kirk moved to Jacksonville, Florida when he became president of the American Heritage Life Insurance Company. As the Republican nominee in 1964, he unsuccessfully ran for the United States Senate. In 1966 he defeated Democrat Robert King High for the governorship, becoming the first Republican governor of Florida since Reconstruction. In 1970, Kirk ran for relection but was defeated by Democrat Reubin O'D. Askew. After his term, he retired to private business in Palm Beach. He unsuccessfully ran as a Democrat in seeking the nomination for Governor in 1978 and in 1988 for United States Senate.

From the description of Campaign position papers, 1966. (Florida State Archive). WorldCat record id: 32413370