Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

ProudMNDemocrat

(19,178 posts)
Thu Oct 26, 2023, 01:15 PM Oct 2023

On this date in 2002, Minnesota lost a Great Statesman....Paul Wellstone.

My husband and I had the pleasure of knowing the late Sen. Paul Wellstone and his wife, Sheila. They were as down to earth and humble as anyone I knew.

In 2001 in Duluth, we matched with Paul at the Holiday Inn there who refused to pay their workers decent wages. We went door knocking with him. We were with him at the DFL Booth at the Minnesota State Fair in 2001 and 2002, at the Old House of Labor for UAW drawings with his arm around me, we met and at various events campaign and non-campaign related. He was a man with a big heart, no airs about him, a stature taller than Wilt Chamberlain, yet very grounded .

When October 26, 2002 came around, my husband called me at the Costume Shop I was working at in Rochester to tell me the news, as he was at work that day. It was as if a member of the family had died. Two days later at the Memorial at Williams Arena on the U of M campus, he attended with others in the DFL. The Memorial pin everyone was given to commemorate the event, we still have.

Rest In Power Paul and Sheila, along with a State DFL official. Your lives and words are never forgotten.

"WE all do better, WHEN we all DO BETTER".

?fit=495%2C500&ssl=1


This is the pin I am wearing today.

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
On this date in 2002, Minnesota lost a Great Statesman....Paul Wellstone. (Original Post) ProudMNDemocrat Oct 2023 OP
yesterday was the anniversary WhiskeyGrinder Oct 2023 #1
Sen. Paul Wellstone stood up to Bush and Cheney and the rush to attack Iraq. Kid Berwyn Oct 2023 #2
Actually Kennedy was originally scheduled to fly dflprincess Oct 2023 #3

dflprincess

(28,531 posts)
3. Actually Kennedy was originally scheduled to fly
Fri Oct 27, 2023, 01:50 PM
Oct 2023

To Duluth with with Wellstone later in the day. That plan changed when Wellstone had to fly north earlier in the day for a funeral. Kennedy stayed in the metro and I believe Walter Mondale joined him at stops in the metro area.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Minnesota»On this date in 2002, Min...