For nearly 30 years former Senator Bob Dole represented the state of Kansas… and the retired 90-year-old Senator is paying several visits around the state, with a stop in Manhattan Tuesday.
Dole told the standing room only crowd, gathered at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center on Kimball, his wife Elizabeth will start touring with him later, as she’s busy with our own project right now, assisting wounded veterans.
Dole’s sense of humor was evident throughout his comments, although he got serious when talking about the importance of compromise, even pointing to his work with Sen. Ted Kennedy across the aisle on the disability act. He also mentioned his work on Social Security in 1983, and on a more current issue, warned the audience to keep an eye on Putin in Russia.
The visit drew prominent Manhattan area politicians from both sides of the aisle, with State Senator Tom Hawk of Manhattan, who is a Democrat, waiting in line to have his picture taken with the former prominent Republican, saying he was very proud to have him here, adding he was amazed at his energey at his age. And State Representative Tom Phillips of Manhattan, who is a Republican, was also pleased with Dole’s visit, saying it was great to be able to honor the Senator, saying he gave so much of his life to our nation and state.
National Congressional representatives and candidates from both sides of the aisle were also evident at the event, including Congressman Tim Huelskamp, who is announcing his filing for re-election Tuesday, and one of the candidates opposing him, Democrat Jim Sherow of Manhattan.
