Bob Dole Gets 'Nailed to the Wall'

A decade has passed since Bob Dole left the Senate, but his self-deprecating wit remained firmly intact when he returned to the Capitol on Tuesday for the unveiling of his official portrait to hang with those of other former majority leaders.

"Some of my colleagues have been waiting for years to nail me to the wall," Dole deadpanned, as dozens of current and former senators who came to pay tribute erupted with laughter.

He wasn't done.

"When I left this building 10 years ago, I said it was up to the electorate to decide my future address. In their wisdom, they decided they would rather see me in commercials than in the Oval Office," he said, poking fun of his TV ads hawking Viagra and Pepsi after losing his 1996 bid for the White House.

The ceremony in the U.S. Capitol's historic Old Senate Chamber was a mix of praise and fond remembrances of Dole's legacy and his ability to forge friendships with Democrats as well as his fellow Republicans.

"Our democracy is more nearly perfect because of you," said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn. "America is a better place because of you being here fighting on our side."

The oil on canvas painting by noted New York artist Everett Raymond Kinstler shows a seated, younger-looking Dole, wearing a dark gray pinstripe suit and flashing his trademark grin. He is firmly clasping the ever-present pen in his right hand, which was injured during World War II.

Between the laughs, the 83-year-old Dole briefly fought back tears as he lauded his wife - Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C. - his daughter Robin and his loyal staff.

He also spoke of his humble roots in Russell, Kan., and the people of the state who helped him become a player on the national and global stage.

"You have honored me with your confidence and you have entrusted me with your ideals," Dole said of his Kansas constituents.

Dole became the Senate's majority leader in 1985. He then led the party in the minority from 1987 to 1994, and once again as majority leader from 1995-1996.