She arrived as a political rock star. But the former presidential candidate has turned out to be a quieter presence in Congress.

WASHINGTON Second of two parts

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole has been telling economic advisers, media, constituents and anyone else who will listen that she knew years ago this financial crisis was coming.

She was on the phone again Thursday morning with a banker friend in Wilmington.

“You know, all this could have been avoided,” she told him. “Back in 2003, I had legislation with…”

She named the senators she had joined, described how year after year their bill to rein in two giant mortgage companies couldn't gain support to pass.

“It was like David and Goliath…” she said. (more…)