Preserving Paul Wellstone’s LegacyPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Oct. 25‚ 2006Today marks the four-year anniversary of Senator Paul Wellstone’s death. Less than two weeks before his re-election, the most outspoken, progressive and passionate Democrat in the United States Senate died in a plane crash with his wife Sheila, daughter Marcia, and three campaign staffers. I still remember where I was when I heard the news, and it was the worst day of my life. My cell phone started ringing off the hook, as my mother, my father, my sisters and many of my friends (even some who I hadn’t talked to in years) immediately called me to offer their condolences. Not only were they aware of how much Paul Wellstone had been an inspiration for my life and my career – but that I had also known him personally, and had worked for him when he briefly considered a run for president. |