Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole speaks with a National Park Service ranger during a visit to the World War II Memorial in September. Bob Dole endorses Jeb Bush

Former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole has endorsed Jeb Bush for president and will serve as the former Florida governor's National Veterans’ Chairman, according to the campaign.

Dole said that while almost all of the candidates are his friends, he believes Bush is the most qualified.


“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 said in a statement. “Jeb's conservative reform agenda and forward looking vision on issues including 4 percent economic growth, defeating ISIS 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 promised.

Dole knows what it’s like to run for president. He ran as the Republican nominee against President Bill Clinton in 1996. He also ran for president in 1980 but the GOP nomination went to Ronald Reagan. In 1988 Dole again ran for the Republican nomination, which ultimately went to Bush's father George H. W. Bush. During their primary fight Dole made headlines for snapping at George H. W. to "stop lying about my record."

He also ran as the vice presidential nominee with President Gerald Ford in 1976.

Bush later 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

Any hard feelings between George H.W. and Dole seemed to be forgotten by Bush during an interview with Fox News' "America's Newsroom" Wednesday morning. Bush compared Dole to his dad.

“Bob Dole is an American hero. 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 Veteran’s Administration and restore our military strength," Bush said. "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.”