Conversation so far:
When did Edwin Edwards first become governor?
In the election of 1971–1972, Edwin Edwards won the governorship of Louisiana.
What did Edwin Edwards do as a governor?
Edwin Edwards was inaugurated as governor on May 1972. One of his first acts was to call for a constitutional convention to overhaul Louisiana's bulky charter.
What was the constitutional convention Edwin Edwards called for?
Edwin Edwards called for a constitutional convention to overhaul Louisiana's 1921 Constitution, as it was unwieldy.
What other things did Edwin Edwards do as governor besides calling for a constitutional convention?
Edwin Edwards, as outspoken supporter of civil rights, appointed more blacks and women to high positions in his administration than had his predecessors.

Question: How did he get this reputation?
Self-contained rewrite: How did Edwin Edwards get a reputation?