Dole makes surprise visit to convention floor, sits with Pence
Bob Dole made an unexpected visit to the convention floor Monday.
The former Kansas senator who was his party’s 1996 presidential nominee sat in a VIP section, and a series of dignitaries came to sit by him, including Mike Pence, Donald Trump’s vice-presidential pick.
“He’s the new Alf Landon,” Kansas GOP executive director Clay Barker said of the former Kansas governor who was the Republican Party’s 1936 nominee for president. After his defeat, Landon stayed active in Kansas politics and business for decades.
Dole, who has endorsed Trump for president, told a public radio reporter that the challenges facing Trump are similar to those he faced in his 1996 race against President Bill Clinton.
Three days short of his 93rd birthday, Dole is to attend a reception for his Washington law firm today in Cleveland. His staff says he flies home on Wednesday.
Steve Kraske: 816-234-4312, @stevekraske
This story was originally published July 19, 2016 at 10:37 AM with the headline "Dole makes surprise visit to convention floor, sits with Pence."