Dick Bond, former Kansas Senate president who led renovation of Statehouse, dies

Former Kansas Senate President Dick Bond, a Republican who led efforts to renovate the Kansas Statehouse and who crossed party lines to endorse Democratic candidates, has died. He was 84.

Bond served in the Senate from 1986 through 2001 and spent the last four years as president. He was respected among both Republicans and Democrats, and during his time as a senator helped secure the financing necessary to fund a $40 million overhaul of the Capitol building. The project turned its green dome to shining copper again and included numerous interior improvements.

Bond called the renovation “the only thing I’ve done that will have lasting value and importance,” according to Governing Magazine. Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, a Topeka Democrat, said Bond “single-handedly” persuaded lawmakers to approve the project.

Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran said Bond worked behind the scenes to help Kansans for decades before running for office himself. “Our state is a better place because of his public service, and I am a better person because of his friendship,” Moran said.

Prior to pursuing elected office himself, Bond worked for 25 years as a Congressional aide before becoming a banker. He earned bachelor and law degrees from the University of Kansas.

In recent years, Bond voiced support for Medicaid expansion and endorsed Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, in the 2018 election.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Dick Bond,” Kelly said. “Dick’s leadership in the Senate was guided by his strong Kansas values, and his commitment to Kansas’ education system, improving health care, and working across the aisle served as a model for every member of the Legislature.

This story was originally published July 24, 2020 at 4:49 PM.