By John Camenzind, Erin Wolfe
Title: Dole Institute Oral History Project, 2002-2009
Predominant Dates:2002-2004, 2007-2009
ID: 02/018
Primary Creator: Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics
Other Creators: Smith, Richard Norton, Williams, Brien R., Yates, Lahoma Ruth Dennis (1925-2005)
Extent: 120.0 Items. More info below.
Arrangement: This collection is arranged into two series in order to maintain a clear distinction between the two phases of the project. Within each series, interviews are arranged alphabetically by the interviewee's last name. Series One is titled by phase one's working title: "The Bob Dole Oral History Project." Series Two is titled by phase two's formal title as found in the project's documentation: "The Dole Legacy: Leadership in the U.S. Senate."
Languages: English
The Dole Institute Oral History Project, which spans the years 2002-2009, contains audio, video, and transcribed oral history interviews with a variety of people who knew and worked with Senator Dole in various capacities, including friends, staffers, colleagues, journalists, members of Congress, and others.
Search the full text of all available transcripts using the search box below:
The project was completed in two separate phases, each with distinct characteristics and goals. Combined, they document the accomplishments and legacy of one of America's most respected leaders and statesmen, Senator Robert J. Dole. The first phase was conducted from 2002-2004. It was primarily conceived of and implemented by then-Dole Institute Director Richard Norton Smith and long-time Dole staffer Lahoma Yates, who conducted the majority of the interviews. Interviewees include Kansas-based legislators, Dole volunteers, campaign workers, opposition candidates, and others who worked directly with Dole during his years in both the House of Representatives and in the Senate. The primary goal of this phase was to document personal memories, recollections, insights and stories in order to document what Bob Dole was like as a person, how he evolved over the years, and to convey a sense of American history and politics as experienced by Dole.
The second phase was conducted from 2007-2009. It was conceived of and planned by Dole Institute Director Bill Lacy, in collaboration with Dole Institute Senior Archivist Jean Bischoff. Interviews were conducted by Principal Historian Richard Norton Smith and Project Manager and Historian Brien R. Williams. Interviewees include Senator Dole, Senate and House colleagues, key staffers and aides, high-ranking campaign personnel, and others who worked with Senator Dole and had witnessed firsthand his leadership skills in the Senate. The primary goal of this phase was to document his leadership style, with an emphasis on issues and legislation during the Senate years (1968-1996). It was during this time that Senator Dole's impact was critical and had the greatest effect on the national political landscape.
Interviews for both phases were recorded on a variety of media, including compact cassette, micro cassette, MiniDV, DVCam, and BetaCamSP. Transcripts and indexing were done by third party vendors and are available for most interviews. A few of the first phase original media are missing. Digital copies are available for many interviews; availability is noted in the finding aid.
This collection is the result of a multi-phase project that was managed and worked on by numerous people in various stages. As a result, materials were created and processed in different ways over the years, beginning in 2002 and continuing to 2009. In 2013, a new effort was initiated to bring all materials from both phases of the project together, in order to maximize consistency and accessibility.
The Dole Institute Oral History Project was funded through generous support from the Andreas Family Foundation.
Repository: Robert and Elizabeth Dole Archive and Special Collections
Alternate Extent Statement: Series one – 41 compact cassettes, 7 micro cassettes, 1 MiniDV; Series two – 100 hours, 30 MiniDV, 23 DVCam, 1 BetaCamSP
Access Restrictions: This collection is open for research. Any restricted materials are identified at the item level within the finding aid. Questions about these materials may be directed to the Senior Archivist of the Dole Archives.
Use Restrictions: These oral history transcripts may be read, quoted from, cited, and reproduced for purposes of research. They may not be published in full except with permission of the Dole Archives.
Preferred Citation: Oral History Interview with [interviewee's name], [date of interview], The Dole Institute Oral History Project, Robert J. Dole Archives and Special Collections, University of Kansas.
Processing Information:
Search the full text of all available transcripts using the search box below:
The first phase was conducted from 2002-2004. It was primarily conceived of and implemented by then-Dole Institute Director Richard Norton Smith and long-time Dole staffer Lahoma Yates, who conducted the majority of the interviews. Interviewees include Kansas-based legislators, Dole volunteers, campaign workers, opposition candidates, and others who worked directly with Dole during his years in both the House of Representatives and in the Senate. The primary goal of this phase was to document personal memories, recollections, insights and stories in order to document what Bob Dole was like as a person, how he evolved over the years, and to convey a sense of American history and politics as experienced by Dole.
This phase of the Oral History Project is still being processed. Please contact the Dole Archives at dolearchives@ku.edu with any questions or to request a copy of any of these interviews.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lew Ferguson and Emerson Lynn, Avery discusses the 1960 election, first term in U.S. House, Avery's Congressional Career, Avery's time as governor, state aid for schools, schoolboard reform, Milford Reserve, Tuttle Creek, and other topics.
No transcript available. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.
Bales was a longtime fieldworker for the Republican Party in Kansas and a friend of Dole.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Bales talks about Dole's famous wit. During the presidential campaign, she wondered "why don't they just let Bob be Bob Dole?" when she saw his sense of humor was not showing through like in past campaigns.
PDF Transcript available: bales_polly_2003-08-08Banker grew up in Dole's hometown of Russell, Kansas. He spent three months in a prison camp in Germany during World War II before returning home to take over the family clothing business. Banker actively campaigned for Senator Dole throughout his political career. He was widely interviewed during Dole's 1996 run for president.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Banker talks about the social dynamics of growing up in Russell, the difficulties the town faced during the Great Depression, and Dole as a young man.
PDF Transcript available: banker_dean_2002-06-13Barnes met Dole in a hospital after they were both injured in World War II and has talked with him many times since.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Barnes discusses his war injury and Dole's personality when they met during World War II.
PDF Transcript available: barnes_joe_2002-09-24Bettes is a public affairs specialist at the US Department of State. In 1996, he was a youth delegate to the Republican National Convention at which Dole was announced as the Republican candidate.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Bettes talks about Dole's insistence on keeping a meeting with him even though Bettes was only in high school. Bettes also recounts the bipartisan support that he has seen Dole enjoy in Kansas.
PDF Transcript available:bettes_chad_2002-09-15Bond retired in 2000 as president of the Kansas Senate after spending fourteen years as a state senator. He began his political career by serving as a top aid for three different members of the Kansas state legislature.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Bond discusses how he first became politically associated with Dole. He also talks about Dole's ability to connect with voters from cities despite being from such a small town as Russell.
PDF Transcript available: bond_dick_2003Boyd is the widow of Huck Boyd, who was a two time candidate for governor of Kansas, longtime leader in the state Republican Party, and political mentor to Senator Dole. Marie herself was instrumental in multiple women's organizations in the state.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Boyd talks about Dole's first run for Congress, his ability to impress voters with his humor, and Huck's role in helping finance campaigns.
PDF Transcript available:boyd_marie_2004-01-30Brunson is a former Secretary Representative for the Department of Labor in Kansas City. He now works for the Attorney General in Kansas and has been a longtime supporter of Senator Dole.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Brunson talks about his career working in government and the benefits Dole's influence brought to Kansas.
Transcript may be restricted. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.Cabbage worked in Senator Dole's offices in both Kansas and Washington, D.C. for nine years.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Cabbage discusses her experience being hired for to work for Dole, her job responsibilities, and the senator's habit of working Saturdays.
PDF Transcript available: cabbage_janeal_2004-05-17Chesbro has held offices in the Kansas Republican party for years and was a friend of Senator Dole.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Chesbro talks about the Rural Electrification Administration, a program Dole helped push to improve electric and telephone access in rural areas.
PDF Transcript available: chesbro_vern_2003-11-03Coen worked as a summer intern for Senator Dole, driving a van around the state while meeting constituents.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Coen discusses being motivated to create a Republican Headquarters in his county after Dole visited for a speech. He also recalls being selected for Senator Dole's Internship Program and running into problems on the when meeting constituents.
PDF Transcript available: coen_steve_2003-10-07Conard earned a journalism degree at KU in 1943 before serving as a pilot in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He then returned to Kansas and spent five terms in the Kansas House of Representatives. Finally, he served as Executive Director of the Kansas Board of Regents until his retirement in 1982.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Conard discusses Senator Dole's tenacity on the campaign trail, how soft security in the Capitol was in the old days, and the difference between politicians and statesmen.
PDF Transcript available: conard_john_2004-04-30Cooper worked as a volunteer for Dole campaigns, served as a Republican chairwoman in Anderson County, and as a delegate to the Republican National Committee.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Cooper talks about beginning to work on Bob Dole's campaigns in 1962 and how the Iowa voters almost considered Dole their third senator.
PDF Transcript available: cooper_june_2004-04-12Corbin was a caseworker in Senator Dole's Kansas City office during his tenure in the Senate. She worked to help out constituents who requested help from the senator on various problems.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Corbin talks about how Dole's sterling reputation attracted her to working for him. She recalls a story of helping an exotic bird owner protect a bird from owls.
PDF Transcript available: corbin_ramona_2003-04-25Cushing served as a member of the Kansas Board of Regents from 1965 to 1969. He was the County Young Republican Chairman in Osborne County, where he attended several state functions and political meetings with Bob Dole.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Cushing talks about working on a bus caravan organized by the Kanas Young Republicans. He also discusses how Dole demonstrated his leadership quality when he got to Washington.
PDF Transcript available: cushing_ned_2004-05-12Fambrough coached football at the University of Kansas for thirty years. After he finished coaching, he drove a van around Kansas on behalf of Dole's campaign.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Fambrough talks about giving campaign speeches without really knowing much about government. Dole quipped that he would make a great politician, because Fambrough could "talk forever and not say anything."
PDF Transcript available: fambrough_don_2004-06Ford was the 38th President of the United States. Ford began his political career in the House of Representatives in 1949, where he served until 1973. He assumed the presidency in 1974 in the wake of Nixon's resignation over the Watergate scandal.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Ford recalls the experience of waiting for election returns along with Dole in 1976. He also talks about how spending more time in Washington can have positive impacts on politicians by broadening their perspective.
Transcript may be restricted. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, the Frizzells talk about how Bob Dole was more prepared on the issues than his primary opponents and his policy of using "little trial balloons" to see how policies would play politically.
PDF Transcript available: frizzell_kent_and_shirley_2003-06-27Hillman became Senator Dole's scheduling secretary after working for him during the 1974 campaign.
In this oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Hillman talks about coming back from thirteen percentage points down in the 1974 campaign and how the senator respected her when she asked for better working conditions.
Transcript may be restricted. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.Kay was the chairman of the Kansas Republican Party, a former member of the Kansas Legislature, and a regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Kay discusses the advantages for Kansans of Bob Dole having become a premier national political figure. He also mentions the value Dole placed on keeping political power decentralized instead of all in Washington.
Transcript may be restricted. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.Kline worked as a co-chair for Senator Dole's campaign in Reno County, Kansas and helped found "Dolls for Dole."
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Kline talks the founding of "Dolls for Dole" and why Dole had so much trouble getting votes in Hutchinson, KS.
PDF Transcript available: kline_aline_2003-11-19Kline served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1992 to 2000. He was elected as the 41st Attorney General of Kansas in 2002, a position he held until 2007.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Kline talks about Dole's ability to connect with people on the campaign trail despite shaking thousands of hands a day. He also discusses how Dole earned the reputation for being "mean spirited" as a vice presidential candidate in 1976.
PDF Transcript available: kline_phill_2003-11-19Krueger served as Kansas Intergovernmental Liaison from 1983-86 and Regional Advocate in the US Small Business Administration from 1986-93. She then worked from 1995-2003 as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Bill Graves.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Krueger talks about how having a husband working for Bob Dole meant that the whole family worked for him. In her time working for Graves, she met with Dole numerous times on the campaign trail during joint events.
PDF Transcript available: krueger_judy_2004-08-03Krueger worked as Kansas Administrative Assistant for Senator Dole from 1973-76. He is currently President and CEO of Leading Edge, Ltd., which provides governmental relation services to corporations.
In this 2004 oral history interview, Krueger discusses Dole's skills as an orator on the campaign trail. He also talks about the idea Polly Bales had to advertise with Dole pineapple juice in order to increase Dole's name recognition.
PDF Transcript available: krueger_nelson_2004-08-03Robert Londerholm is a former Attorney General of Kansas. Beverly, his wife, campaigned for Senator Dole over many elections.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, the Londerholms talk about how working as county attorney early in his career helped prepare Dole for his legislative career. They also compare Dole's political style to Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.
PDF Transcript available: londerholm_robert_2003-11-04Lorson has worked as the local host of "Morning Edition" and "All Things Considered" at NPR.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Lorson discusses causing a stir in her elementary school class by saying Dole should be president instead of Gerald Ford. She then talks about the fundamental divide between how rural and urban people perceive politics.
PDF Transcript available: lorson_laura_2004-06-24Lungstrum worked as a legislative assistant for Senator Dole after graduating from Yale. After practicing law for two decades, he was appointed in 1991 by President Bush to be US District Judge for the District of Kansas.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Lungstrum discusses Dole's willingness to take an unpopular political position in a labor dispute early in his political career. He also talks about Dole's decision not to run for governor in 1968.
PDF Transcript available: lungstrum_john_2003-05McAtee served in the Korean War and as an FBI agent. He was the state director of penal institutions from 1965-69.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, McAtee discusses attending law school at the University of Kansas at the same time as Bob Dole. He also talks about Dole helping him in the many elections in which he fell short.
PDF Transcript available: mcatee_charles_c2003Meyers was asked by Dole to be his Third District Chairman in 1966. She later served on the Overland Park City Council and in the State Senate.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Meyers talks about how Dole assuaged her worries that, as a congressman for western Kansas, he was too conservative to represent the whole state as a senator.
PDF Transcript available: meyers_jan_2003-12-18Mong was a staff assistant to Senator Dole in the Washington office.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Mong talks about how Dole did not have many close friends as a result of his political career. She also discusses what congressional wives did in Washington and Dole's ability to juggle responsibilities in both Washington and Kansas.
PDF Transcript available: mong_rosemary_2002-06-12Frank and Joan Mosier were involved with Bob Dole's campaigning over the years. Frank was responsible for taking care of the campaign treasury.
In this oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Frank Mosier talks about the increasing complexity of campaigns and Dole's focus on creating good farm bills. Joan Mosier discusses the challenge of campaigning in liberal districts in Kansas.
PDF Transcript available: mosier_frank_and_joan_c2003Mowry has been an active member of the Kansas Republican party since 1964.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Mowry discusses her decision to become a Republican after being a Democrat in her youth. She also talks about how she became responsible for speaking on behalf of Dole at events he was unable to attend.
PDF Transcript available: mowry_cathy_2004-04-18In this 2003 oral history interview, Murray discusses National young Republicans, interning for Dole in D.C, and pro-business topics.
No transcript available. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.
Reece was a longtime activist in the Kansas Republican Party. She was a multi-term National Committeewoman as well.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Dyatt talks about the untold hours Dole worked and how he managed lobbyists.
PDF Transcript available: reece_marynell_dyatt_2003-11-14Richardson worked as a clerical assistant for Dole, a job in which he was able to drive Senator Dole around at night. He held a number of other positions in Dole's office over the years.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Richardson talks about how Dole was open to input from all ranks on his staff. He also talks about driven Dole was to help Reagan politically, even at the cost of his health.
PDF Transcript available: richardson_scott_2003-08-11Roberts is a longtime Republican activist and has been a friend and supporter of Bob Dole throughout his career.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Roberts discusses how she quickly became a supporter of Dole after meeting him. She also recounts her role organizing bus trips to Iowa during the Presidential primaries in 1996.
PDF Transcript available: roberts_dixie_2003-11-06Rogers is the Senior United States District Judge in Topeka, Kansas. He also served for eight years in the state legislature.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Rogers discusses how his own political career overlapped with Dole's. He also mentions how Dole's political beliefs moved toward the center over time.
PDF Transcript available: rogers_richard_2003-05-09In this 2004 oral history interview, Russel discusses rallies with Dole, and Elizabeth and Bob's engagement.
No transcript available. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.
The Schirmers have been longtime supporters of Senator Dole's political career. David served as the 1st District Chairman for the Republican Party in Kansas.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, David Schirmer discusses the changes to politics resulting from the transfer of population from rural to urban areas. Ellen talks about the tension between "Kansas people" and "Washington people" working on Dole's campaigns.
PDF Transcript available: schirmer_david_and_ellen_2003-08-27Schnacke is an attorney in Topeka, Kansas. He has been a long time worker in the trenches for the Republican Party.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Schnacke discusses his interactions with Dole during their respective political careers and the differences between Goldwater conservatives and the modern movement.
PDF Transcript available: schnacke_don_2004-04-09Smith was a classmate of Senator Dole and a longtime friend. Smith had a long career in the Kansas State legislature, serving as its president for eight years.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Smith discusses how the smart play to get legislation passed in Topeka is to get one key legislator on your side instead of talking to everyone. The need for additional consolidation of school districts is also talked about.
PDF Transcript available: smith_glee_2004-02-26In this 2002(?) interview, Smith discusses working in Dole's Kansas office, answering constituent mail / phone calls, Dole's work ethic, and his V.P. campaign.
No transcript available. Please contact the Dole Archives for more information.Steele was the youngest sister in the Dole family. She grew up in Russell along with Bob and is a lifelong Kansan.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Steele discusses the realities of growing up in Russell in the Dole household. She tells stories of how Dole's workaholic tendencies started at a young age and how popular he was with the other kids in town.
PDF Transcript available: steele_norma_jean_2002-06-13Stones was Executive Vice President of the Kansas Bankers Association from 1967-1997. He worked with Dole numerous times while employed in this capacity.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Stones discusses how he was impressed by Dole's strong influence on national politics. He also talks about Dole's willingness to compromise and reach out amicably to opponents.
PDF Transcript available: stones_harold_2004-04-30Stromer was in the Iowa Legislature for 26 years, including time spent as Speaker of the House. He was a consistent supporter of Dole's political career.
In this oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Stromer discusses the first time that he met Dole and the events surrounding the presidential primaries in 1988.
PDF Transcript available: stromer_del_c2003Stromer has been a political supporter of Bob Dole throughout his career. She was very active in Elizabeth Dole's failed bid for the presidency in the 2000 Republican primary.
In this oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Stromer discusses the time when Bob Dole bought her a surprise birthday cake and her experience working for Elizabeth Dole's campaign.
PDF Transcript available: stromer_harriet_c2003Taggart was head of advertising for the High Plains Journal in Dodge City and was active in politics since the early 1950s.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Richard Norton Smith, Taggart talks about how the main action in Kansas politics is in the Republican primary and how Dole did not show anger when he was removed from Nixon's ticket.
PDF Transcript available: taggart_bill_2002-05-16Thornbrugh was active in the Republican party over his lifetime, serving on many campaigns across the state. He and Dole were both mentored politically by Huck Boyd.
In this oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Thornbrugh recalls Dole's "big-hearted" nature and ability to remember everything. He also talks about working with Dole on the campaign trail.
PDF Transcript available: thornbrugh_paul_c2003Tombs was a consistent supporter of the Republican party in Kansas and a friend of Senator Dole.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Tombs talks about the Republican effort to "be more inclusive" in the early part of Bob Dole's political career. He also discusses the "different outlook" that veterans of combat have when they return.
PDF Transcript available: tombs_leroy_2004-01-20Van Bebber was a Senior District Judge in Kansas City, KS. Before entering the judiciary, he was active in politics, serving two terms in the Kansas House of Representatives.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Van Bebber tells the story of getting Dole's support in his bid for U.S. District Judge. The interview also touches on the advantages for Kansas infrastructure of having a powerful politician like Dole in the Senate.
PDF Transcript available: van_bebber_thomas_2004-05-15Vaughn was a longtime supporter of Bob Dole throughout his political career. She worked for Congressman Larry Winn for twenty years as campaign manager in the Kansas Third District.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Vaughn talks about having doors slammed in her face by people who had never heard of Bob Dole in his early years. She also discusses how young people today unfortunately show more interest in national politics than at the state level.
PDF Transcript available: vaughn_shirley_2004-06-22Westbrook is currently President and CEO of Corporate Communications and is a well-known figure in the Kansas City public relations field. He has been an observer of Kansas politics since 1955.
In this 2002 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Westbrook discusses how politics has changed from a calling to a business. He also talks about how Dole missed out on the opportunity to be a "kingmaker" for the Republican party by choosing to run for president.
PDF Transcript available: westbrook_david_2002-08-31Westover was the president of the Gary County Republican Women's Federation. She was a supporter of Bob Dole from his first campaign for the Senate.
In this oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Westover tells about how Dole had his finger on the pulse of issues in Kansas. She also emphasizes Dole's ability to remember the names of everyone he met.
PDF Transcript available: westover_darlene_c2003Winn served as a Republican congressman from Kansas from 1967 to 1985. During that time, he specialized in foreign policy, including a year spent as Congressional Ambassador to the United Nations in 1977.
In this 2004 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Winn discusses the highlights of his time working on the Science and Technology Committee. He also talks about working with Senator Dole while in the Kanas legislative delegation together.
PDF Transcript available: winn_larry_2004-02-18Wohlford was one of Bob Dole's top aids in Washington after the serving as campaign manager in the 1974 race.
In this 2003 oral history interview with Lahoma Yates, Wohlford discusses how Dole's "hokey" slogan of "People are my strength" was accurate. He also recounts the process of making nominations for the judiciary.
PDF Transcript available: wohlford_bill_2003-09-16
