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.
October 25, 2002 - Live off-air audio of developments concerning Paul Wellstone's plane reported missing. Host Gary Eichten and political reporter Mike Mulcahy present coverage from MPR studio as events unfold. Following news agencies declaring Wellstone and others dead in plane crash, a presentation of various interview reactions and call-in commentary from listeners.
October 26, 2002 - A special Saturday edition of Midday the day after Senator Paul Wellstone's fatal plane crash. Included are audio clips from the MPR Archives and callers' remarks.
October 28, 2002 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews David Lillehaug about Walter Mondale running for Paul Wellstone’s seat.
October 28, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on DFL efforts to find candidate to run in Wellstone’s place. Report includes clips of various speakers.
October 28, 2002 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Chris Gilbert, chair of the political science department at Gustavus Adolphus College, on Walter Mondale as the obvious choice to replace Wellstone on the ballot. Party activists will meet to choose a new candidate Wednesday night, and it's likely to be former Vice President and Senator Walter Mondale.
October 28, 2002 - MPR’s Marisa Helms reports on the reaction and mourning of Minnesotans after the death of Paul Wellstone. Many of those mourning the loss of Senator Paul Wellstone say they hope his political legacy will live on. Wellstone died in a plane crash Friday along with his wife Sheila, daughter Marcia, three campaign workers and two pilots.
October 29, 2002 - On this Midday program, commentator Sarah Stoesz, attorney Sam Kaplan, and callers share stories about the late Senator Paul Wellstone, the family members, and campaign workers who died with him in plane crash in Eveleth, Minnesota on October 25th, 2002.
October 29, 2002 - Folk singer Larry Long is a longtime friend of Senator Wellstone's who is preparing two songs for Wellstone memorial service. Long says he wrote the songs after traveling with Wellstone and his wife Sheila on a plane back from Farmfest in southwestern Minnestoa.
October 30, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on memorial service for Paul Wellstone held at the University of Minnesota.
October 31, 2002 - MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki reports on the high court decision on new ballots for election.