Topeka ? The federal government needs to control its spending, Bob Dole said Friday, and President Bush might consider a veto of budget bills to help accomplish that goal.

Dole also said during a news conference that he thought Democrats would give Bush “a fairly good race” in Bush’s bid for a second term. But Dole believes an improving economy will help the president’s re-election bid.

Dole was in Topeka for the annual Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas banquet, where he was honored Friday night as the group’s Kansan of the Year for 2003. Now 80, Dole served 36 years in Congress before stepping aside to run for president.

He said he thought Bush was in a strong political position because, particularly after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, he is perceived as strong, someone who “takes the hits and stays on message.”

But Dole added: “We need to hold down spending.”

This week, Bush has faced criticism from fellow Republicans over the budget he plans to submit to Congress next week. In Washington, administration and congressional sources said the budget would project a record $521 billion deficit.

“He needs to veto some bills, let the American people know he’s watching out for their money,” Dole said.

As for the presidential race, Dole said: “It’s going to be a competitive race. There are a lot of good Democrats running.”

Dole said that after Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman’s fifth-place showing in the New Hampshire primary, “I don’t see any movement there.”

“I was sorry he didn’t do better,” Dole said. “I sent him an e-mail last week, to wish him luck in New Hampshire, but it just didn’t happen.”

Dole said former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean had received undue criticism for his concession speech in Iowa.

“If you go out there with a sour face, say, ‘Well, we finished third, and it’s all over,’ then, jiminy, it’s over,” Dole said.

Of former Gen. Wesley Clark, Dole said: “I don’t know Clark, but I don’t think he’s ready to be president.”

Dole said he based his opinion partly on Clark touting the rank he attained and suggesting the military service of Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, a Navy officer during the Vietnam War, wasn’t as significant.