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Dole Institute to host memorial display, book for George H.W. Bush

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LAWRENCE, Kan -- Bill Lacy had a good ole time working for the Grand Ole Party. 

“Oh, my goodness, a lot to remember about the President (Bush) because I worked against him in the ’80 campaign when I worked for President Reagan," Lacy, who is now director at the Dole Institute of Politics, said Monday. "I worked against him in ’99, when I worked for Senator Dole, and then his team called me up after Senator Dole withdrew and asked me to join his team in 1988.”

The institute is one of many places in Kansas and across the country where people are paying tribute to the 41st President and friend of former Senator Bob Dole. 

Lacy says the friendship formed, but only after a period in which the two were bitter rivals when both men were vying for the Republican Presidential Nomination in 1988. 

Lacy calls Bush a key part of Dole’s legacy, and vice versa. 

Both men shared similar passions, as both were instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  

And both had an unwavering love for their country.  

“I’d like to remember back to what he said on the floor of the Republican National Convention in 1988," Lacy said. "He talked about seeking a kinder, gentler nation and I think that’s good advice for all of us as a people today."

President George H.W. Bush even wrote his dear friend, late one night, exactly one week after losing his re-election bid in 1992:

“Dear Bob,

When you invited me, I didn’t want to come.  I didn’t think I could face the music. But now I am so glad you asked me.” 

Lacy and his team at the Dole Institute have put up a memorial recognizing the nation’s 41st President. 

Visitors can sign a memorial book through Dec.10, when it will then be sent to the Bush Presidential Library in Texas.  

The memorial itself will be on display at the Dole Institute through the end of the year.