[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S11061]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN REMEMBRANCE OF PAUL WELLSTONE

  Mr. CHAFEE. Madam President, today I offer my condolences to all the 
friends, family members and admirers of Paul Wellstone. As has been 
said many times, Paul Wellstone was fiercely proud of the causes with 
which he associated himself. Certainly, to have Paul Wellstone 
articulately and strongly arguing on one's behalf was a great asset. 
His many friends are forever grateful for his wrestler's tenacity as he 
advocated for those issues in which he so emotionally believed.
  Several years ago a candidate for Congress in Rhode Island retired 
from the campaign because of a shortage of funds, declaring that no 
longer could ``Mr. Smith go to Washington.'' Paul Wellstone proved that 
yes, indeed, Mr. Smith could go to Washington. In 1990 he challenged an 
incumbent who possessed a huge financial advantage in what many assumed 
to be a quixotic and hopeless campaign. In November of that year Paul 
Wellstone was the only challenger to beat an incumbent, providing 
inspiration forever to long shots.
  Three cheers for the people of Minnesota who have shown a propensity 
for embracing people of divergent philosophies. In the last few years 
Minnesota has elected Rod Grams, Jesse Ventura and Paul Wellstone; 
public servants with very different approaches to the issues of the 
day. I join Minnesotans and Americans in mourning the death of the 
passionate and good-natured Paul Wellstone.

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