Bob Dole
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
The Linda and Mitch Hart Lecture
Bob Dole has been a prominent figure in American
politics for the past four decades. He was first elected to the U.S.
House of Representatives from the state of Kansas in 1960 and remained
in the House until his 1968 election to the U.S. Senate, where he served
for 28 years. Dole set a record as the longest-serving Senate leader of
the Republican Party, serving alternately as Senate Majority and
Minority Leader from 1984 to 1996. He also served twice as chairman of
the Senate Finance Committee. Dole was known for his effectiveness as a
consensus builder and his commitment to deficit reduction and economic
growth. He was the Republican candidate for president in 1996. The
following year he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in
recognition of his contributions to the nation. Dole is the author of
two best-selling books on political humor — Great Presidential Wit
and Great Political Wit.
A native of Kansas, Dole served with distinction in World War II, receiving two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. Before entering public life, he earned both undergraduate and law degrees from Washburn Municipal University in Kansas. Dole’s recent activities include serving as chairman of the National World War II Memorial, which was dedicated in Washington, D.C., in May. He is married to Elizabeth Hanford Dole, a U.S. senator from North Carolina.