Statement Upon the Death of Senator Paul Wellstone

Statement Upon the Death of Senator Paul Wellstone

Secretary Colin L. Powell Crawford, Texas October 25, 2002

On behalf of the men and women of the Department of State, I wish to express our deep sadness on hearing of the death of Senator Paul Wellstone, his beloved wife and partner of almost forty years, Sheila, and their daughter Marcia. Our hearts go out to the Wellstone family and to the families of the members of his staff and plane crew who perished with them. This is a terrible tragedy, not only for their families, friends and colleagues, but for our entire country.

In Paul Wellstone, our nation has lost a thoughtful and tireless legislator, a selfless public servant, and a passionate advocate for justice, human rights and peace in this world.

I had the privilege of working closely with this great, decent and caring man by virtue of his outstanding service on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Always, always for Paul, what came first were duty to country and a heartfelt commitment to the well-being of ordinary men, women and children worldwide.

Paul Wellstone was a stand up guy. He used the power of his office for good. His memory will forever be a blessing to all of us who knew him. And his work will continue to be a blessing to countless thousands of people across the globe who never met him, but whose lives will be forever bettered by his work.

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