[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 10878]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO SENATOR ROBERT DOLE

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, this Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of 
Senator Robert Dole's retirement from the U.S. Senate. From humble 
beginnings on the plains of western Kansas, Bob Dole has risen to 
become one of our most accomplished and respected public figures of the 
20th century.
  Bob Dole arrived in Congress in 1960 as a representative of the Sixth 
District of Kansas. He was immediately chosen by his fellow freshman 
colleagues to lead the freshman class. His ability to lead and inspire, 
his dry wit and savvy, would characterize his ascent to the peaks of 
political life.
  Bob Dole was reelected for three more terms before being elected to 
the Senate in 1968.
  In 1971, Senator Dole was chosen to lead the Republican National 
Committee, a position he held for 2 years.
  It was a tumultuous time for America. His steady hand earned him the 
Vice Presidential nomination alongside Gerald Ford in the 1976 
election. Jimmy Carter won. But that didn't hinder Senator Dole's 
steady climb.
  Over the next decade, Senator Dole moved up through the leadership 
ranks, and in 1984, he was elected to succeed Senator Howard Baker as 
majority leader. While Democrats regained control of the Senate in 
1986, Senator Dole continued to lead his party as minority leader. In 
1994, Republicans swept Congress, and Senator Dole was once again 
elected majority leader. His 12 years as the leader of his party in the 
Senate set a record, and made him the longest serving Senate leader of 
the Republican Party since its founding in 1854.
  I learned a lot from Leader Dole during my first few years here. We 
saw eye to eye on most issues, but when we didn't, he always encouraged 
me to vote my conscience.
  He respected my commitment to family, and with three young sons, he 
was always careful to ensure that the schedule wouldn't run over my 
time with my wife and children.
  And he took the time to listen to all colleagues. While many remember 
his famous admonition, in meeting after meeting, to ``work it out,'' 
what fewer recall is that he would pursue votes, and ideas, and 
solutions over and over and over to lead to the point where, indeed, we 
could ``work it out.''
  Our Senate party was in good hands under his stewardship. He was a 
good partner for President Reagan, and President Bush. And the respect 
President Clinton paid him was impressive, even across party lines.
  I was proud to begin to know him during my early years here. His 
portrait hangs on the wall in my conference room, making him part of 
our leadership meetings every week I have often thought about what he 
might do when challenging situations arise around here.
  And as much, I have often wondered what quip he might have offered to 
break the tension at a tough moment.
  With my leadership team, we have made some tough calls under his 
watchful gaze. In 1996, Senator Dole was chosen by the party to run as 
its Presidential nominee. It was the capstone to a remarkable career.
  World War II hero, dedicated public servant, master of the Senate, 
and champion of the conservative cause, Senator Dole has stamped his 
place in American political history. Although he has left office, the 
elder statesman has in no way retired. He has authored two best-selling 
books on political humor, and a personal memoir of his life as a 
soldier. He is invited to speak all over the world to offer his wit and 
keen insights into the issues of our time. President Reagan once said 
of Senator Dole, ``His title of Leader is not just a job title, it's a 
description of the man.'' This plain-spoken, honest and humble man from 
Russell, KS, is the genuine article.
  One of the brightest stars of the Greatest Generation, Senator Dole 
served his country with bravery and dedication. He has earned the 
affection and respect of his fellow citizens. And he will always be 
remembered for his humor, his leadership, graciousness and humility--
and for the honor he has brought to political life.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.

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