Bob Dole’s daughter: Endorsing Schmidt was a final act in my Dad’s storied political career

My father, Bob Dole, loved Kansas more than almost anything.

He loved the people, the landscape, the Jayhawks, the Kansas way of life, and of course, he loved Russell.

When Kansas did well, he did well.

When Kansas was hurting, he was hurting.

Every day, he woke up and wondered what he could do for the state he loved and her people.

That’s why it is so special to me that one of the last public actions he took in his life and career was to endorse his friend, and someone he greatly admired, Derek Schmidt, for governor of Kansas.

I think my dad saw in Derek a little of himself – a small-town, hard working Kansas boy who stood firm on his principles, but was always willing to work together to get things done for Kansans.

I think he also saw Derek’s love for the state, and I know he admired his incredible career of service.

My dad was hardly alone in thinking this, either!

It’s why he joined with his friend and mentee, former Sen. Pat Roberts, in jointly endorsing Derek so early in the race.

Since then, just about every strong Kansas leader has followed suit.

So, as this election cycle comes to a close, it’s a little bit emotional for me and those close to my father.

After 70 years of public service, it’s the last cycle my father got to play a small part in.

I don’t take that lightly, and I know the people of Kansas won’t either.

He loved you, and was always grateful for all you gave him over so many years.

I’ll close by quoting one more time from my dad’s final political endorsement: “Like myself, Attorney General Derek Schmidt has made it his goal to put the needs of Kansans first and to make a positive difference for our state. He’s a strong Republican, and he has what it takes to win and to lead with common sense and decency.”

I may be biased, but I think Dad was right.

Robin Dole is the daughter of former U.S. Sen. and 1996 Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole.