Former Republican Senator Bob Dole speaks while flanked by KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little and Bill Lacy with the Dole Institute. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)Former Kansas Senator Bob Dole spoke on the University of Kansas campus as part of a three-day tour of the state. When asked about the biggest challenges facing the nation in coming years, Dole said fiscal issues, such as controlling the federal budget, will be near the top of the list.
Dole, who is turning 91 this year, is touring the state to meet with friends and people who have supported him during his decades-long political career. But he has not shied away from discussing current events and issues. At a previous stop, Dole said the U.S. should send weapons, including tanks, to Ukraine to help repel a Russian incursion.
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Former Kansas Senator Bob Dole is in the midst of a tour through eastern Kansas, meeting with friends and supporters. Dole wraps up his three-day trek today (WED) with stops in Atchison and Leavenworth. Yesterday (TUE), the 90-year-old statesman visited the University of Kansas campus and spoke at the facility named after him, the Dole Institute of Politics. KPR's Stephen Koranda reports.
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Dole didn’t shy away from serious topics. He says energy policy and reducing the federal deficit are two of the major challenges facing the country over the next decade. But his trademark wit is still with him. Sitting next to KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little, Dole joked about his time at KU before he went off to serve in World War II. He says there were many students going off to to serve.
“And so we had a lot of farewell parties, but we didn’t attend many classes. So I hope the chancellor will bury my transcript,” said Dole.
Around 200 people gathered to see Dole, including Aldean Banker from Russell, Dole’s hometown.
“He was very able to get people to work together, and I think we need that in government right now. He also knew everyone. I was amazed at how he could call people’s names that he hadn’t seen for years,” said Banker.
Dole will continue his tour next month, with another series of stops starting May 12.