B. Dole speaks at Raleigh rally

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:00:01 -0400

Bob Dole said the November elections at the state and federal level will be important.

Speaking at a Raleigh rally this evening, the former U.S. Senate majority leader said this fall's elections will be the most important in his lifetime — though he pointedly refused to "name names" on who voters should support.

"I'm not here to name anybody, criticize anybody," he said, though he noted that voters should consider that some of the candidates want "more taxes," "more regulation" and "more programs."

Dole, who won North Carolina in his 1996 bid, told jokes about Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Ronald Reagan, shared a few personal anecdotes and talked about his general political philosophy. In his most pointed remarks, he argued the Democratic majority in Congress had hurt the economy.

He mentioned the re-election campaign of his wife, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, twice. The first time came after reminiscing about his long career in the Senate.

"I've never been before the Ethics Committee and I can guarantee you Elizabeth's never been before the Ethics Committee," he said, to loud cheers.

As he ended his speech, he mentioned his wife again.

"I know this is a nonpartisan event, but I do hope you'll take a good look at Elizabeth," he said.

He was followed by a speaker who attacked the "cap and trade" bill on global warming, which Elizabeth Dole supported.

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B. Dole speaks at Raleigh rally