The Dole Family

Bob Dole with daughter Robin, at age 3

Bob Dole had the good fortune to grow up in Russell, Kansas -- a small rural community where the importance of family was central. The eldest son of the late Doran and Bina Dole, Senator Dole has two sisters, Gloria and Norma Jean, both of whom still live in Russell. His younger brother, Kenny, passed away a few years ago. Bob Dole has one daughter, Robin. Formerly a senior government relations professional in Washington, Robin now helps her father with his business interests, while continuing to be a volunteer counselor for troubled and at-risk teens.

In 1975, Senator Dole married the former Hon. Elizabeth Hanford, then a Federal Trade Commissioner. They had first met when she worked in the Nixon Administration for Consumer Affairs adviser Virginia Knauer. Later, Mrs. Dole held two Cabinet posts: Secretary of Transportation under President Reagan and Secretary of Labor under President Bush. From 1991 until early 1999, she served as President of the American Red Cross, helping people across America and internationally.

At the 1996 Republican National Convention, Mrs. Dole wowed the audience withher informal style speech - now dubbed the "Dole stroll".In the 2000 primary election cycle, she formed a Presidential Exploratory Committee and inspired millions as she made history as the first woman candidate for President thought to have a serious chance at the job.

Now, she is a member of the US Senate from her home state of North Carolina.

Click HERE for Senator Elizabeth Dole's Biography

The Doles live in an apartment at the Watergate in Washington, D.C., where they try their best to combine very busy schedules,commuting between Washington and North Carolina. For relaxation, they enjoy dinner at local restaurants, reading and working out on their treadmill, occasionally getting away to their condo in Florida for a break.

Leader: Gone but not Forgotten:

When Senator Dole became Senate Majority Leader in 1985, he received a very special present -- a miniature schnauzer, who was promptly dubbed "Leader" in honor of the GOP gaining the Senate. For 14 years, Leader was a steadfast companion to the Doles and even had his own website during the 1996 campaign. Leader passed away in February 1999, but his story lives on.

Leader's memoirs have been published as a fundraiser for the DC Humane Society. Click HERE to order a book or for more information.

The Doles now have a new dog, Leader II or "Little Leader", the grandson of the original Leader.