TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas political legend Bob Dole says that recent stops in his just-finished tour of the state have him thinking that U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts’ chances of winning re-election are “looking better.”

Dole told The Associated Press on Monday that he believes Roberts has picked up a little momentum and has been getting a good reception at recent events.

The 91-year-old former senator last week finished a months-long tour of all 105 Kansas counties and spoke by telephone from Washington. He was the GOP presidential nominee in 1996 and is a former U.S. Senate majority leader.

Dole made multiple campaign appearances for Roberts and Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.

Roberts is in a close race against independent candidate Greg Orman. The challenger told reporters Monday that he greatly respects Dole.