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.
August 25, 1982 - Midday presents a lively debate for state auditor role. Incumbent Independent-Republican State Auditor Arne Carlson and challenger Paul Wellstone, DFL, discuss their differing views on how best the auditor’s office can benefit the state.
September 15, 1990 - DFL Senate primary candidates Paul Wellstone, professor of political science at Carleton College; and Jim Nichols, Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture and a former state senator, debate and answer listener questions.
October 23, 1990 - MPR presents a Minnesota Senate debate with Rudy Boschwitz, U.S. Minnesota Senator (I-R); and Paul Wellstone, DFL challenger. The candidates participate in a wide-ranging discussion of the issues. Debate was moderated by MPR’s Bob Potter.
January 9, 1991 - MPR Journal’s Gary Eichten talks with U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone about the prospects of war in the Persian Gulf. Wellstone comments on his take of how Congress will act with Bush Administration’s push for military action.
January 12, 1991 - As part of congressional debate on the authorization for war in the Persian Gulf, Minnesota's DFL Senator Paul Wellstone speaks on his view of not authorizing resolution. This was Wellstone’s first speech on the Senate floor.
February 28, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone to get his reaction to the end of Persian Gulf War campaign. Wellstone states his relief that the U.S. military overwhelmingly and quickly succeeded, but saddened that the war resulted in human deaths and holds to belief that sanctions would have been better option.
June 10, 1991 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone about New York parade celebration of returning military from the Persian Gulf War. Wellstone says he hopes that it is a respect for military serviceman, and not also an attempt by Bush administration on glorification of militarism.
July 5, 1991 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone comments on state of United Nations Security Council discussions since cease-fire. Wellstone shares concerns of Iraq nuclear status and humanitarian crisis after Persian Gulf War.
July 17, 1991 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone shares his view on an abortion gag order debate in U.S. Congress.
August 29, 1991 - Remember the Boschwitz root beer floats? MPR’s Karen Boros walks the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and interviews politicians Arne Carlson, Dave Durenberger, Rudy Boschwitz, and Paul Wellstone about their interactions with fairgoers.