Paul David Wellstone was an American Democrat politician, academic, and author who represented Minnesota in the United States Senate from 1991 until he was killed in a plane crash in Eveleth, Minnesota, on October 25, 2002.
Born July 21, 1944 in Washington D.C., Wellstone was a professor at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and a community organizer in Rice County prior to entering public office. Wellstone gained national attention after his upset victory over Republican incumbent Rudy Boschwitz in the 1990 US Senate election. In his 1996 reelection campaign, he defeated Boschwitz in a rematch. As a member of the Democratic Farmer-Labor Party, Wellstone was a vocal leader of the progressive wing of the national Democratic Party.
July 3, 1995 - Minnesota’s U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone discusses the latest in Congress. Topics include rescissions bill, balanced budget, defense spending, cuts, and energy renewables. Wellstone also answers listener questions.
July 28, 1995 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone shares his reaction to the passage of a U.S. Senate rules change that creates gift ban for members of the chamber.
August 24, 1995 - Midday presents a live broadcast from the Minnesota State Fair featuring U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, DFL-Minnesota. Wellstone answers questions from fairgoers and MPR listeners.
November 22, 1995 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone gives his thoughts and shares his concerns on the idea of American troops going to Bosnia in efforts to support the peace process in the region.
December 7, 1995 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone on if he has made a decision on a Senate vote to send American troops as part of a mission to stabilize the region and keep peace amongst the factions.
December 29, 1995 - Paul Wellstone, Minnesota U.S. senator, discusses attempts to balance the federal budget in Washington, a shutdown possibility, his upcoming campaign for re-election in 1996, and environmental issues. Wellstone also answers listener questions.
June 7, 1996 - Midday studio guest is U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone on the opening day of the DFL State Convention. Listeners call in with questions.
August 22, 1996 - Excerpt of U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone stumping with constituents at the Minnesota State Fair. MPR’s John Rabe briefly interviews Wellstone.
August 29, 1996 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone talks about his vote against a welfare bill in U.S. Senate that he sees as too harsh. Wellstone details his hope that changes will be made in coming year.
September 20, 1996 - MPR reporter Mary Losure interviews the U.S. Senate candidates on environmental issues and compiled their responses.