South West Illinois News

U.S. Congressman Mike Bost (R-Carbondale) has extended his sympathies to the Dole family after learning of former Kansas U.S. Sen. Bob Dole's passing.

Dole was 98 at the time of his death. His wife Elizabeth Dole, a former U.S. senator for North Carolina and former U.S. secretary of labor, announced his passing through her foundation's social media. 

"It is with heavy hearts we announce that Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning in his sleep," the Elizabeth Dole Foundation tweeted on Dec. 5. "At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years."

Bost also took to Twitter to express his condolences, and talk about how he will remember Dole. 

"Senator Bob Dole embodied the best the US has to offer," Bost wrote in a tweet. "As a member of the Greatest Generation & statesman, he dedicated his life to serving the nation he loved."

Bost recalled having the opportunity to meet Dole on several occasions and work with him and his wife to support the men and women who served our nation, a cause close to Dole's heart since he was a veteran himself. 

"Tracy and I send our prayers to the Dole family and his friends during this challenging time," Bost posted.

Dole had been battling stage 4 lung cancer. He announced his diagnosis back in February of this year, according to the Associated Press. 

Dole ran for president three times: in 1980, 1988, and 1996. Dole was unsuccessful in all three elections. He was also then-President Gerald Ford's choice for running mate during his 1976 bid to remain president which he lost to Jimmy Carter.

According to the Associated Press, Dole was elected to represent western Kansas in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1960. Eight years later Kansas voters chose him to serve in the U.S. Senate when Republican Sen. Frank Carlson retired.