Dateline 10/25/02

United States Senator Paul Wellstone (D - Minnesota) died today in the crash of a small plane near the town of Eveleth in northern Minnesota. [Sen. Wellstone's Biography]

Also killed in the crash were Wellstone's wife Sheila, his daughter Marsha, three members of Wellstone's campaign staff and two crew members.

The plane was reportedly carrying Wellstone, 58, and his party on a campaign trip from St. Paul to Eveleth when it crashed about two miles from the Eveleth airport. Wellstone was running a close race for re-election against former St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman. Wellstone was first elected to the Senate in 1990 and elected to a second term in 1996.

The FAA reported temperature at the airport to have been 36 degrees with light snow falling at the time of the crash. Visibility was reported to be poor and icing conditions were present. The plane, a twin-engine Beech King Air B-200 went down about two miles from the Eveleth airport.

Considered a liberal members of Congress, Wellstone fought for the expansion of affordable national healthcare programs and environmental protection. Despite the political dangers in doing so, Wellstone was one of only 23 Senators to vote against the recent resolution authorizing President Bush to use military force against Iraq.

Battling multiple sclerosis, Wellstone was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and excelled as a collegiate wrestler at the University of North Carolina. 

Respected by Democrats and Republicans Alike
Despite his reputation as a liberal, Wellstone gained the respect of both his political friends and foes.

"He always just had a love for every person because you knew everything that he was talking about he deeply believed in and deeply cared about," said Republican Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas. "He cared deeply about the people around him. He was a very engaging person."

Calling him a "man of deep convictions," President Bush remembered Wellstone as "a plainspoken fellow who did his best for his state and for his country."

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-South Dakota), praised Wellstone, calling him the "soul of the Senate." 

"He was one of the most noble and courageous men I have ever known," said Daschle.

• Sen. Wellstone's Legislative Accomplishments

Political Impact of Wellstone's Death Could be Great
Coming less than two weeks before the Nov. 5 mid-term elections, Wellstone's death could have a drastic impact in the Senate, where Democrats hold a slim one-vote majority.

According to an interpretation by Minnesota election officials, a U.S. Senate candidate who dies during a campaign can be replaced no later than four days before the general election. Under this ruling, a new Democratic candidate could be named. However, election officials also pointed out that ballots for the Nov. 5 election showing Wellstone's name have already been printed and distributed and many absentee ballots have already been voted and returned. 

Democratic leaders expressed confidence that they would be allowed to replace Wellstone on the ballot, but offered no indication as to who might be selected to do so.

Election officials were also researching whether it would be possible for independent Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura to appoint a temporary replacement for Wellstone to serve in the lame-duck session of Congress, scheduled to begin on Nov. 12 and potentially lasting until the swearing in of the new Congress in January 2003.

Also See: My Train Ride With Paul Wellstone
Read this fascinating account of a train ride and a conversation shared by the late Sen. Wellstone and US Politics Guide John Aravosls.