Utah officials on Sunday expressed condolences at the passing of former Senate leader and Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole.
Dole’s wife, Elizabeth Dole, announced the longtime politician’s death on Sunday. He was 98.
“When I think of the greatest generation, I think of Senator Bob Dole — a man who dedicated his life to serving our country,” Utah Sen. Mitt Romney wrote on Twitter. “Rest In Peace, my friend. Ann and I will be praying for Elizabeth, their family, and loved ones.”
Dole was a World War II veteran from Kansas who spent 36 years on Capitol Hill, including 27 in the U.S. Senate. He ran for president in 1996, campaigning against incumbent Bill Clinton. (Dole received 54% of the vote in Utah.)
In February, Dole announced he had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.
“Senator Dole is an American hero and an exemplary public official,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox tweeted. “Our country could desperately use more selfless servants like him. Our prayers are with Elizabeth and his family.”
Utah Sen. Mike Lee also mourned Dole’s death.
“While I was serving as a Senate page in 1987, Senator Bob Dole (who was then serving as the majority leader) gave me an elephant-shaped keychain pendant with his signature engraved on the back of it. That keychain became one of my most prized possessions,” Lee tweeted. “Americans are fortunate to have been blessed by Bob Dole’s lifetime of military and government service. Today, my heart and prayers are with the Dole family.”
