Jon S. Corzine: “exactly 1 year ago tomorrow, October 25, our Nation lost Senator Paul Wellstone, a truly great American and a hero to…”

“exactly 1 year ago tomorrow, October 25, our Nation lost Senator Paul Wellstone, a truly great American and a hero to many. I remember that tragic day as if it were yesterday. The initial shock and pain of losing Paul has been transformed into a profound sadness akin to losing a parent--a brother. You never forget what they meant to your life. A year ago and to this day, millions of Americans still grieve and share this deep sense of loss. I served with Paul for only 2 short years, but in that brief time, he became one of my closest friends. His enthusiasm was infectious, his values, uncompromised and his honor, unquestioned. His loss was a personal and painful one for me, and I miss him every day. Indeed, Paul's loss was a tragedy for the entire United States Senate. As most would agree, there was no Senator quite like Paul Wellstone. He was unique. He left a void in this body that no one will ever fill. What was it about Paul that made him so unique? It's hard to point to any one thing. Perhaps it was his sincerity. Paul was a real, genuine person who never tried to be someone other than who he was. He said what he thought. He was the same man in the back rooms as under the glaring lights of the Senate floor. Paul was Paul. Perhaps it was his humility. To say that Paul didn't put on airs would be an understatement. There simply wasn't an ounce of pretense to Paul--none. He wasn't trying to impress anyone. He wasn't impressed with himself.”