By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist

Elizabeth Dole has lost her bid to hang on to her U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina. Her classless last-minute "godless" ad against Democratic opponent Kay Hagan -- an ad that repulsed people nationwide -- sealed her fate, deservedly so.

Dole is remembered in these parts for standing by husband Bob Dole when he lost the 1996 presidential race to Bill Clinton.

Tuesday's loss may be the end of Elizabeth Dole's career, one that had many high points. She was the first female Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation and president of the American Red Cross.

But she blew much of that prestige with her last-minute attack ads, which will be remembered in North Carolina and the nation long after she's out of office.