Bob Dole: “During my more than 11 years as Republican leader, it has been my privilege to serve across the aisle from three…”

“During my more than 11 years as Republican leader, it has been my privilege to serve across the aisle from three Democrat leaders. Senator Byrd sat in the leader's chair for 4 of those years, Senator George Mitchell for 6, and Senator Tom Daschle for the past year and a half. When Senator Daschle became leader in January 1995, I said then that I had learned that the only way the Senate can run effectively is for the two leaders to have a relationship based on absolute trust. While Senator Daschle and I have disagreed on the vast majority of issues before the Senate, and while he used the Senate rules to the minority's full advantage--just as I did when I was in his position, our relationship has been one of trust and mutual respect. In fact, Senator Daschle has seemed to enjoy the job of minority leader so much, that I have told him one of my wishes on departing the Senate is that he will continue to serve as minority leader for many years to come.”