Whether Bob Dole wins the Arizona primary is still to be determined, but Dole won many votes at Kappa Sigma after his visit with the fraternity Saturday evening.

"Kappa Sig was (Dole's) social link here," said Ryan Anderson, political science junior. Dole pledged into the fraternity at the University of Kansas, and was active in the UA chapter for 18 months.

From the moment he stepped out of the blue-gray Chevrolet Lumina, a Greyhound bus-load of press and a mob of anti- and pro-Dole activists surged toward the visibly weary senator surrounded by Secret Service agents.

The Kansas Republican emerged from his four-car caravan waving and giving thumbs-up to both supporters and protesters.

"It was great that he took time out of his busy schedule to come here," said Andrew Meth, economics junior.

After World War II, Anderson said, Dole spent time at Tucson's veteran's hospital and took classes at the UA.

Dole also served as honorary chairman for construction of the fraternity's new house on the UA campus last year, Anderson said.

Kappa Sigma, 1423 E. First Street, held a private barbecue and reception for Dole at that house, saving the last few minutes of his visit for a group photo with active members of the house.

Crews from CNN, CBS News, FOX Television and the Los Angeles Times were among the media who grumbled about their sequestration in a narrow press alley while fraternity members roamed freely about the yard.

During dinner camera crews and reporters watched Dole and wife Elizabeth feast on hamburgers at his table with 10 students, including six Kappa Sigma members.

"It's really standard to have the media watching him. He's used to it," Anderson said.

About 80 other students and faculty members, including Dean of Students Melissa Vito, were seated at the dozen other tables in the yard.

"He was really likable and talkative," Anderson said.

Although Meth said he is not familiar with politics, he will vote for Dole because "the fact that he stopped by shows he's a personable type of guy."

Douglas Pollock, molecular and cellular biology senior, and other Kappa Sigma members agreed that they would support Dole in his campaign simply because "he's a brother."

Nhon Nguyen, pre-law junior, said he plans to look at all Republican presidential candidates and their platforms before making a decision, but "the fact that Dole is visiting us is a good thing."

After dinner the Kappa Sigma members escorted them to the Wildcat men's basketball team's game against Oregon State.

Anderson, who talked with Dole at the basketball game, said Dole offered him advice for his upcoming UA senate campaign.

"He had a genuine interest in Kappa Sig, the university and the basketball game," Anderson said.

Mike McCoy, political science sophomore, who also sat with Dole during the game, said the Senate Majority Leader was "really down home."

"I never thought I'd sit and have burgers with (Dole's wife) Beth," McCoy said, laughing.

"He's coming out here to hang out and relax," Anderson said.

"I was really surprised at how he made time for everyone who came up and said something to him during the game," McCoy said.

Earlier Saturday, Dole and U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe, R-Ariz., visited Green Valley as part of Dole's campaign.

"Campaigning's not relaxing," Dole said, "But this (visit) was a good chance to meet a lot of people."