TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Political icon and 1996 Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole on Monday endorsed western Kansas’ congressman in the state’s GOP Senate primary.
Rep. Roger Marshall’s campaign announced Dole’s backing and Dole tweeted that Marshall is “a true friend to KS.” Marshall has served in Congress since 2017.
“He has my full trust, and I know he will represent our state well,” the 96-year-old Dole said in a statement.
Dole, a former Senate majority leader, served in the House and Senate for a total of 35 years.
Dole’s endorsement came a week after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that he would not run for the Kansas seat. Four-term GOP Sen. Pat Roberts is not seeking re-election.
McConnell wooed Pompeo, a former Wichita-area congressman, because some Republicans fear that polarizing conservative Kris Kobach will emerge from a crowded GOP field and put a normally safe seat in play. Democrats have not won a Senate race in Kansas since 1932.
Kobach, the former Kansas secretary of state, lost the 2018 governor’s race to Democrat Laura Kelly.
Other GOP Senate candidates include Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle and Dave Lindstrom a Kansas City-area businessman and former Kansas City Chiefs professional football player.
