Bob Dole: Tributes to former Republican US Senate leader and war veteran who has died aged 98

The long-time Republican senator from Kansas, who was his party's unsuccessful 1996 presidential nominee, was known for a wit that ranged from self-deprecating to caustic.

Former Senate majority leader Bob Dole pictured in September 2019
Image: Former Senate majority leader Bob Dole, pictured in September 2019
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Bob Dole, who overcame severe combat wounds to become a senior figure in US politics, has died at the age of 98.

The long-time Republican senator from Kansas, who was his party's unsuccessful 1996 presidential nominee, was known for a wit that ranged from self-deprecating to caustic.

Mr Dole announced in February that he had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and would begin treatment.

"It is with heavy hearts we announce that Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning," the Elizabeth Dole Foundation said in a statement on Twitter.

"He had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years."

Dole during his bid to become president in 1996
Image: Mr Dole during his bid to become president in 1996

President Joe Biden said: "He had an unerring sense of integrity and honour. May God bless him, and may our nation draw upon his legacy of decency, dignity, good humour, and patriotism for all time."

His predecessor Donald Trump issued a statement Sunday praising Mr Dole as "an American war hero and true patriot for our nation" who represented "Kansas with honour and the Republican Party was made stronger by his service".

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Former President George W Bush said: "This good man represented the finest of American values.

"He defended them in uniform during World War II. He advanced them in the United States Senate. And he lived them out as a father, husband, and friend."

President Bill Clinton pinned the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, on Bob Dole in 1997. Pic: Reuters
Image: President Bill Clinton pinned the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, on Bob Dole in 1997. Pic: Reuters

Former President Bill Clinton said: "Bob Dole dedicated his entire life to serving the American people, from his heroism in World War II to the 35 years he spent in Congress.

"After all he gave in the war, he didn't have to give more. But he did. His example should inspire people today and for generations to come."

He sought the presidency three times and was the Republican Party's nominee in 1996, but lost to Democratic incumbent Mr Clinton.

Mr Dole was his party's vice presidential nominee in 1976 on a ticket headed by incumbent President Gerald Ford, but they lost to Democrat Jimmy Carter and his running mate Walter Mondale.

Known for referring to himself in the third person, he lived through the Great Depression of the 1930s and the World War Two battlefields to the corridors of power.

He represented Kansas in Congress for 35 years: 1961 to 1969 in the House of Representatives, and 1969 to 1996 in the Senate.

Mr Dole helped shepherd Republican President Ronald Reagan's legislative agenda as Senate majority leader in the 1980s, and spearheaded important legislation of his own.

He helped shape tax and foreign policy, while accessible government offices, national parks, pavement ramps, and the sign-language interpreters at official local events are just some of the more visible hallmarks of his legacy.

Meghan McCain, daughter of the late John McCain, wrote: "Very sad to hear of Bob Doles [sic] passing. He was a true statesman who fought for our country honourably and personified all that is the greatest generation."

"Prayers to his family and loved ones. America keeps losing icons," Ms McCain added.

President Bush sits with Bob Dole during a ceremony in 2002 honouring the USA Freedom Corps. Pic: Reuters
Image: President Bush sits with Bob Dole during a ceremony in 2002 honouring the USA Freedom Corps. Pic: Reuters

In a statement, former president George Bush said: "Laura and I are saddened by the passing of a great patriot, Senator Bob Dole. This good man represented the finest of American values."

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, ordered the flags at the Capitol to be flown at half-mast in his honour, according to her spokesman.