May 14, 1979:
Bob Dole, the senator from Kansas and his party's nominee for vice president in 1976, declares his candidacy for the 1980 Republican presidential nomination. He is also a former GOP national chairman.
Dole received harsh reviews for his role as President Ford's running mate, where he was widely portrayed as a "hatchet man." He promises not to personally attack President Carter or any of his Republican rivals.
His 1980 bid goes nowhere. In 1988, he will run again but lose the nomination to George Bush. In 1996, he will finally win the GOP nomination, but gets trounced in November by President Bill Clinton.
Today in Campaign History is a daily feature on Political Junkie.
categories: Today In Campaign History
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