Tony Thurmond: “over the past 10 years, the one individual who has been perhaps more closely associated with the new majority leader…”

“over the past 10 years, the one individual who has been perhaps more closely associated with the new majority leader, Senator Bob Dole, than any other person is his former chief of staff, Sheila Burke. A graduate of the University of San Francisco with a bachelor of science in nursing, Sheila worked in the medical field in California and New York before joining Senator Dole's staff in 1977 as a legislative assistant. Known for his ability to recognize individuals with talent and ability, Senator Dole soon moved Sheila on to a number of position of greater importance and responsibility. In the following 18 years, Sheila has worked as a professional staff member and deputy staff director on the Finance Committee, as the deputy chief of staff to the majority leader, and as chief of staff to the majority leader and the Republican leader. While in every instance she has distinguished herself as an individual of great intelligence and dedication, she truly proved her mettle during her tenure as the leader's chief of staff. Sheila knew every piece of legislation at least as well as the person who wrote it. She was always able to provide valuable advice to Bob and to any Republican Senator. Her dedication and sense of purpose not only served us well, but it earned her the respect of Members on both sides of the aisle.”