Tuesday marks 20 years since Wellstone crash
MINNEAPOLIS -- Tuesday marks 20 years since a plane crash left a major mark on Minnesota's political history.
The crash claimed the lives of U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone, his wife Sheila, daughter Marcia, three campaign staffers and two pilots.
It happened just 12 days before the 2002 election while Wellstone was running for a third term.
The plane went down in Eveleth, Minnesota. The crash site is a memorial now.
TODAY, 20 YEARS LATER: Black-bordered Wellstone campaign signs in the neighborhood in memory of MN Senator, family and staff killed in plane crash near Eveleth, MN on this date in 2002. pic.twitter.com/oTmN9aIoCO
— Patrick Kessler (@PatKessler) October 25, 2022
Wellstone's legacy, 20 years since fatal plane crash
Bipartisan effort to rename federal building in Mpls. after Wellstone
It's a somber day in Minnesota history. Twenty years ago, Sen. Paul Wellstone, along with his wife, daughter and staff were all killed in a plane crash. Now, decades later, there's a push from lawmakers to honor the senator in a big way.
"It feels like it wasn't 20 years ago because the memories are seared in our minds," Sen. Amy Klobuchar said.
Tuesday morning, Sen. Klobuchar and Sen. Tina Smith announced their push to rename and dedicate a federal building in Minneapolis to the late senator. The pair, along with Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley crafted a bipartisan bill to change the buildings name to the Paul D. Wellstone Federal Building.
Alongside Klobuchar and Smith was Paul Wellstone's son, Dave. He says his family is honored.
"Everything that my dad and my mom and everybody in that crash stood for, working for people, regular folks, people who don't have a voice…that's the legacy," Dave said.
The Federal Building currently houses offices for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the National Labor Relations Board and the U.S. Department of State Passport Agency. Dave said his fathers name representing housing, labor and travel is fitting for who he was and what he stood for.
It could be a while before the building's name is changed. Klobuchar anticipates the bill being included in the omnibus bill that would pass at the end of the year. If not then, group plans to continue their efforts into next year.
Gov. Walz: "He never forgot that politics is about improving people's lives"
It’s been 20 years since we lost Sen. Paul Wellstone. He never forgot that politics is about improving people’s lives – and @PeggyFlanagan and I are committed to carrying on his legacy.
— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) October 25, 2022
The front page from 20 years ago
Here's the front page of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reporting on the death of Sen. Paul Wellstone:
October 25, 2002: U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone is killed in a plane crash along with his wife, daughter and five others near Eveleth. pic.twitter.com/MSgxKXGvR9
— Behind the Star Tribune (@BTStarTribune) October 25, 2022
Paul Wellstone's first campaign ad in 1990
"Fast Paced Paul" was the first ad Paul Wellstone released in 1990.
Ad agency North Woods Advertising reports it was "unlike any political ad most viewers had ever seen. Airing just days before a Democratic primary that Wellstone was in danger of losing, it was a huge hit with the public and the news media, raising Wellstone's visibility and name ID virtually overnight. The ad was instrumental in setting the agenda of the campaign, and positioning Wellstone's opponent as a rich candidate trying to buy the election. Wellstone won despite being outspent $7 million to $1 million."
Sen. Amy Klobuchar: "We miss you all"
Twenty years ago today we lost Paul Wellstone, his wife Sheila, his daughter Marcia, three of his talented staff and the two pilots. He was a friend, a mentor, and the person who taught us the power of politics to make a real difference in people's lives. We miss you all. pic.twitter.com/eQOeay6gDI
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) October 25, 2022
St. Paul mayor: "Let us honor their memory by coming together as neighbors"
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter marked the 20 years passing since the plane carrying Sen. Paul Wellstone, his wife and daughter, three campaign staffers and two pilots crashed.
"Sen. Wellstone realized the power of grassroots activism and leveraged it to inspire generations to be active and engaged in the political process. Together, let us honor their memory by coming together as neighbors to create a sustainable future for everyone," Carter tweeted.
Two decades after tragically losing Sen. Paul Wellstone and his forward-thinking style of leadership, we reflect on his legacy and strive to emulate his dedication to public service. His wisdom provides poignant lessons as he shares: We all do better when we all do better. (1/5)
— Mayor Melvin Carter (@MayorCarter) October 25, 2022
We also remember the lives of his wife Sheila, their daughter Marcia, staffers Tom Lapic, Mary McEvoy, and Will McLaughlin, and pilots Richard Conry and Michael Guess. They were among his closest and most fervent supporters, championing his efforts of progressive reform. (4/5)
— Mayor Melvin Carter (@MayorCarter) October 25, 2022
Take a virtual tour of Wellstone memorial site
Nearly two decades after his death, the family of the late U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone is making sure all Minnesotans can visit his memorial and historic site.
A virtual, 3D tour is now available on the memorial's website, which allows users to navigate the space and learn about Wellstone's life.