Elizabeth Dole

Elizabeth Dole official photo

Elizabeth Dole official photo.jpg Dole in 2007

Mary Elizabeth Alexander Hanford "Liddy" Dole (born July 29, 1936) is an American politician and author who served in both the executive and legislative branches of the United States government. She is a member of the Republican Party and served as a United States Senator from North Carolina from 2003 to 2009. She also held the positions of United States Secretary of Transportation from 1983 to 1987 under President Ronald Reagan and United States Secretary of Labor from 1989 to 1990 under President George H. W. Bush.

Early life and education

Elizabeth Dole was born in Salisbury, North Carolina, to Mary Ella (Cathey) and John Van Hanford. She attended Duke University, where she graduated with distinction in 1958. She later earned a master's degree in education and government from Harvard University in 1960, followed by a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1965.

Career

Early career

Dole began her career in public service as a staff assistant to the United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1967. She later served as a deputy assistant to President Richard Nixon for consumer affairs.

Secretary of Transportation

In 1983, Dole was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as the United States Secretary of Transportation, becoming the first woman to hold the position. During her tenure, she was instrumental in the implementation of the 21 drinking age law and the airbag mandate for automobiles.

Secretary of Labor

Dole served as the United States Secretary of Labor from 1989 to 1990 under President George H. W. Bush. She focused on workplace safety and health issues, as well as policies to increase employment opportunities for women and minorities.

United States Senate

In 2002, Dole was elected to the United States Senate from North Carolina, succeeding Jesse Helms. During her term, she served on several committees, including the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. She was defeated in her re-election bid in 2008 by Kay Hagan.

Personal life

Elizabeth Dole married Bob Dole, a former United States Senator and the 1996 Republican presidential nominee, in 1975. The couple remained married until Bob Dole's death in 2021.

Related pages

• Bob Dole
• United States Senate
• Republican Party (United States)
• United States Secretary of Transportation
• United States Secretary of Labor
• North Carolina

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