Former Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas coming to Cleveland only for private meetings

Former Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas, who’s a few days shy of his 93rd birthday, will be in Cleveland on Tuesday for a closed-door event his law firm is hosting.

But he’s not planning any public events, and he won't even be speaking to the Kansas delegation to the Republican National Convention, said state party Executive Director Clay Barker.

Barker described Dole as sharp mentally, but weak physically.

“They just don't want to stress him,” Barker said.

Dole made a contribution to the state party to help fund the delegation’s visit to the national convention, he said.

“I’d like to have him (speak), but we weren't expecting it,” Barker said.