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Paul Wellstone: A Profile
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.
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92 Collection Items
- Neighborhood House celebrates the grand opening of its new building named for Paul and Sheila Wellstone
MPR's Marisa Helms reports on Neighborhood House, a St. Paul community center providing services for the growing numbers of immigrants and refugees in the metro area. Neighborhood House is celebrating the grand opening of its new building in St. Paul, which is named after Paul and Sheila Wellstone.
- Wellstone aide Rick Kahn reflects on his controversial speech at memorial service that may have cost democrats the U.S. senate race
MPR’s Mark Zdechlik interviews Rick Kahn, who reflects on his controversial eulogy at Paul Wellstone memorial service and the political fallout.
- Minnesota Supreme Court rules on ballots
MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki reports on the high court decision on new ballots for election.
- 20,000 gather for Wellstone memorial service
MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on memorial service for Paul Wellstone held at the University of Minnesota.
- Larry Long writes song about Paul Wellstone
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.
- Remembering Paul Wellstone and others that died in plane crash
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.
- Minnesotans mourn the loss of U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone
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.
- A look at the political landscape after the death of Paul Wellstone
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.
- Post-Wellstone politics: Replacement on the ballot
MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on DFL efforts to find candidate to run in Wellstone’s place. Report includes clips of various speakers.
- David Lillehaug on Mondale considering a run in Wellstone's place
MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews David Lillehaug about Walter Mondale running for Paul Wellstone’s seat.