SC leaders mourn Bob Dole, calling him a ‘true statesman’ and ‘bravest of the brave’

South Carolina leaders are mourning the death of former U.S. senator and presidential candidate Bob Dole, who died Sunday at 98.

Those who issued tributes included members of South Carolina’s Congressional Delegation and Gov. Henry McMaster, who remembered the Kansas Republican for his military service in World War II and his work as a statesman.

“Like most in his generation, Bob Dole was willing to sacrifice everything for his country,” U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham said in a statement. “As a soldier, he suffered horrendous injuries for the cause of defeating Nazi Germany. As a political leader, he was one of the strongest voices for a strong national defense and made America a better place.”

Graham said Dole was a friend of his, who served as the chair for Graham’s first Senate campaign. Graham said Dole was always helpful and supportive.

“Bob Dole was one of the giants of the Senate and one of the bravest of the brave. He has now reaped the benefits of a well-lived life and eternal peace in heaven,” Graham said. “To Elizabeth and the entire Dole clan: please know that millions of Americans have you in their prayers. Bob Dole was loved and respected, and his life was as good as it gets.”

Dole’s death was announced Sunday by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. Earlier this year, Dole revealed he had stage 4 lung cancer.

Dole was a pillar within the Republican Party for decades, and was the longest-serving Senate majority leader until U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell took over.

“My heart goes out to Elizabeth Dole and the Dole family for their loss,” U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Daniel Island, tweeted. “Sen. Dole was an inspiring statesman and veteran who served his country for 79 years.”

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Springdale, said he was grateful to have known Dole.

“I admired his dedication as a fighter for justice and his commitment to public service,” Wilson said in a statement. “My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and former U.S. Senator, Elizabeth, and his family.”

In statements, Dole was often remembered for his military service.

As a young man with college ambitions, Dole signed up to serve in World War II after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Dole was deployed to lead a company in Italy. While in combat, Dole received a crushing injury that would initially paralyze him from the neck down and go on to affect him for the rest of his life.

“Senator Bob Dole was an extraordinary leader who lived a life committed to service both in our armed forces and in elected office,” McMaster tweeted. “Our country will greatly miss him. Please join me in praying for his family during this difficult time.”

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-Columbia, said he respected Dole’s “commitment to American ideals.”

“He was a true statesman who served his country with distinction for 79 years,” Clyburn tweeted.

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott said Dole “embodied what it means to be a true statesman.”