There has been a lot of coverage of the death of Sen. Paul Wellstone. I want to tell you why I've always been proud to say that I was from the state that elected Paul Wellstone to Senate.

He was a person devoted to humanity, equality and honesty. Often, after the death of a politician, people come out and say that although they disagreed with them politically, he or she was a good person. I assure you that in this instance, they are speaking with the utmost sincerity. Although I missed my one chance to meet him six years ago, news of his death instantly brought tears to my eyes.

He truly held voting for what he believed to be the best for Minnesota and the United States above all other considerations. He believed in his principles so strongly he wasn't afraid to be the one in a 99-1 vote. He was one of the most admirable senators we had, no matter what your politics.