SOUTH PORTLAND (AP) – Former Sen. Bob Dole was so impressed with a scholarship program established in George Mitchell’s name that he said he’s considering starting one in Kansas.

Dole joined his former colleague Friday night at the Portland Marriott for the Mitchell Institute’s fall scholarship gala.

It has been more than eight years since Mitchell, a Democrat, and Dole, a Republican, shared the Senate floor, but Friday night the senators made time to congratulate the institute’s scholarship recipients.

More than $3.2 million has been awarded to 871 students since Mitchell created the scholarship fund in 1995 after retiring from the senate. Each year 130 seniors receive the award, which can total $4,000, or $1,000 per year.

Dole praised the institute for encouraging more students to pursue a college degree. “The most important challenge we have in America is education,” he said.

Showing just a touch of competitive spirit, Dole said he was inspired by the Mitchell Institute’s work to consider starting a similar scholarship organization in his home state of Kansas.

Mitchell said encouraging Maine students to go to college is just the first step in helping better the state’s communities and its economy. Aside from helping students fund a college education, it also promotes Maine colleges.

In 2002, 90 percent of the Mitchell scholars enrolled in Maine universities and colleges, according to information released by the institute.

Proceeds from Friday night’s event will go directly toward the scholarship program. Mitchell said as the cost of college rises, the institute will seek more funding for scholarships and other initiatives.

AP-ES-10-18-03 1333EDT