Tributes are pouring in for former US presidential candidate and WWII hero Bob Dole who has died at age 98.
Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole died Sunday morning at age 98, his wife’s foundation announced.
“It is with heavy hearts we announce that Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning in his sleep,” the Elizabeth Dole Foundation tweeted. “At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years. More information coming soon. #RememberingBobDole”
Dole, the former Kansas Republican, announced earlier this year that he was being treated for stage 4 lung cancer.
He is survived by his wife, former North Carolina Republican Senator Elizabeth Dole, who is 85.
He was one of the oldest first-time presidential nominees at age 73, but even after retiring from politics after losing the race to President Bill Clinton, Dole didn’t shy away from the limelight. He took on a new career starring in television commercials for Viagra, Visa and other brands.
Despite failing in his quest for the presidency, Dole had an impressive run in politics. He was the top-ranking Republican in the Senate for nearly 11 years (a record until Senator Mitch McConnell beat it).
In 1976, Dole was tapped by Gerald Ford to be his vice presidential candidate but the Republican ticket lost to Democrats Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale.
Twenty years later, Dole and running mate Jack Kemp lost the White House race to Democrat Bill Clinton, making him the only person to lose both the presidential and vice presidential elections on a major party ticket.
In January 2018, he received a Congressional Gold Medal, making him only the eighth senator to be so honoured.
He was born Robert Joseph Dole on July 22, 1923, in Russell.
His father sold dairy products and his mother was a travelling saleswoman, selling sewing machines and other products.
Tributes poured in swiftly for the veteran US politician, including from former vice president Mike Pence, who paid respect to a “truly great man who lived an extraordinary life of service.”
“He will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege to know him.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered flags at the US Capitol to be flown at half-staff due in Dole’s honour, her chief of staff announced.
Originally published as Bob Dole dead: Former US presidential candidate dies at age 98
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