Former Kansas Senator Bob Dole endorsed Republican Jeb Bush for president on Wednesday. The 92-year-old World War II veteran will serve as the veterans' chairman for the former Florida governor's 2016 campaign.
"Jeb has the proven leadership skills and executive experience needed to fix the problems facing our country - from the anemic economy to America's weakened standing among world leaders," Dole, a former Republican presidential nominee, said on Veterans Day, reported The Hill. "Jeb's conservative reform agenda and forward looking vision on issues including 4 percent economic growth, defeating [the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria] and taking care of our veterans are in stark contrast to Hillary Clinton's strategy to continue the failed policies of the present Administration."
"I will do all I can to be helpful to Jeb's campaign," Dole added.
Bush has been highly critical of the Department of Veterans Affairs for its failure to provide service members with prompt care. He announced a plan in August to simplify and reform the entire agency, which includes expanding the ability of veterans to get private health care as well as modernizing how appointments are made, reported Time.
Dole served in the House in the 1960s before being elected to the Senate, where he eventually became Senate majority leader.
He has also served as chairman of the Republican National Committee and ran as the vice presidential nominee with former President Gerald Ford during his unsuccessful reelection bid in 1976. In 1980, Dole sought the GOP nomination, which ultimately went to Ronald Reagan. He ran again for the Republican nomination in 1988, which went Jeb Bush's father, George H.W. Bush.
Dole then ran as the Republican presidential nominee against former President Bill Clinton in 1996.
Bush tweeted that he is "honored to welcome Sen Bob Dole to the team as National Veterans' Chairman."
Honored to welcome Sen Bob Dole to the team as National Veterans' Chairman. Thankful for his service to our country. https://t.co/zwIKvwaH3g
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) November 11, 2015
"Bob Dole is an American hero," Bush elaborated in an interview with Fox News' "America's Newsroom" Wednesday morning, reported Politico. "I'm so honored to have his support. Honored to have the support of hundreds of veterans, including 12 Medal of Honor recipients that support my campaign because of my pledge to fix the Veterans Administration and restore our military strength. Bob Dole is someone who is just an iconic political figure. I admire him so much. He reminds me of my dad. These are people from the greatest generation that have served selflessly this country in so many ways."
