Leadership Desk

In 1984, Senator Dole was elected Senate Majority Leader and effectively became the face of the Republican Party in the Senate. As a congratulatory present for achieving this position, his wife Elizabeth gifted him a local shelter dog from the local ASPCA that the couple named Leader. Leader would become a fixture in the Senator’s office, being included in numerous photos and having his water bowl, food bowl and plenty of toys in the office for the pup for whenever he visited. Senator Dole’s crowning achievement as Majority Leader was helping to spearhead the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act which was incredibly personal to Senator Dole as someone who had an acquired physical disability. Senator Dole would continue to serve as both Minority and Majority Leader in the Senate until he left in 1996. This desk was given as a gift to Senator Dole in recognition of his 11 years as Republican leader and he would continue to use it during his time at the law offices of Alston and Bird.

Penalty of Leadership

Senator Dole never took for granted the trust that both the constituents that elected him and his fellow Senators had in him. Always aware of the burden that came with being the Senate Majority Leader, Dole strived to do the best for every American.

Leader I's Bowl

Leader the dog was a staple in Senator Dole's Majority Leader office. The pup would visit the office often and this water bowl to made sure he was properly hydrated for all of the Majority Leader meetings he sat in on.

Maj. Leader Paperweight

An important part of becoming Senate Majority Leader was not only being the ranking member of the majority party, but showing off all the cool swag that came with it.

Maj. Leader Letter Opener

Why have a normal letter opener when you can have one that has your own signature on it?

Desk Telephone

Looking at the Senator's speed dial, it gives a glimpse into who he called the most from his office phone. His wife Elizabeth Dole takes first spot, quickly followed by the White House. Other notable people include Teddy K which most likely references the late Senator Ted Kennedy and his Folks or parents in Kansas.

ADA Sticker

Getting the Americans with Disabilities Act signed into law was one of Senator Dole's crowning achievements as Senate Majority Leader. It would provide basic civil rights to the millions of people living with disabilities in America.

Discussion Questions

  • True or False: The desk is a collection item

  • What do you think the smallest collection item is?

    • The largest?

  • What accomplishment would you want to receive a puppy/pet for?

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