Bob Dole: “I guess it is hard to pay tribute to my colleague, Senator Kassebaum, because she has done such an outstanding job. And…”

“I guess it is hard to pay tribute to my colleague, Senator Kassebaum, because she has done such an outstanding job. And there is no question about it. She is the most popular politician we have had in our State--the most popular 'politician in politics,' let us put it that way; some do not like the word 'politician'--for years. Over the past several days, I have paid tribute to those colleagues who are retiring from the Senate at the conclusion of the 104th Congress; this is my final tribute. During my years representing Kansas in the U.S. Senate, it has been my privilege to serve alongside two remarkable colleagues from Kansas. The first was Jim Pearson, who was a Senator of great common sense and great integrity--a Senator who was widely respected by Members on both sides of the aisle. For the past 18 years, I have had the privilege of serving alongside another person respected by all Senators for her common sense and integrity--Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum. Senator Kassebaum is retiring at the end of this session, so she can spend more time with her children and grandchildren. The voters of Kansas, who have cast their ballots for her in overwhelming numbers, understand her desire to come home, but they also understand that this Chamber will be losing one of its most thoughtful and effective Members.”