Barbara Boxer: “I can hardly believe it has been 5 years since we lost Paul and Sheila Wellstone. It still seems like only yesterday…”

“I can hardly believe it has been 5 years since we lost Paul and Sheila Wellstone. It still seems like only yesterday that I would see Paul pacing up and down the aisles on the Senate floor, speaking out for Minnesota and what he so affectionately called the ``little fellers'' in the world. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss him and beloved wife and soul mate, Sheila, but the loss is especially poignant in these tough times our country faces. I remember during the Iraq war debate, Paul spoke out passionately against the resolution authorizing the go-it-alone military approach in Iraq. He spoke, almost prophetically, about the possible consequences of our actions--how it would impact the continuing war on terrorism and efforts to rebuild Afghanistan. He said that the gravest concerns were those raised about the possible loss of life--to our soldiers and innocent Iraqis. I can hardly imagine what he would think of the mess we are in today. That day, Paul was strong and unafraid, as he always was, even though he knew his ``no'' vote could cost him his Senate seat. He said then that the ``only way to do it, is to do what you honestly think is right, and then whatever happens, happens.'' I think history has shown that Paul was absolutely right. And my only regret is that he is not here today to continue speaking out against the war in Iraq.”