Watson Coleman: “I know it is late, but I did want to say a few words about Paul and Sheila Wellstone before we left today. I am deeply…”

“I know it is late, but I did want to say a few words about Paul and Sheila Wellstone before we left today. I am deeply gratified one of the first subjects that brings me to my feet in this Chamber is the memory of Paul and Sheila Wellstone. I knew them both well. I was their mayor. I campaigned for them. I campaigned against them. At times I agreed with them, and at times I strongly disagreed with them. It is a measure of the humanity and integrity of Paul and Sheila Wellstone that even those who disagreed with them always respected and admired the enthusiasm, the passion, and the courage with which they pursued their vision. This fall I had planned to contest an election against the Senator. I never dreamed I would be mourning his death. I was his political opponent. And, as two fighters at the end of a boxing match who embrace each other after the final bell has rung, I am sad for myself we never had that moment. This body began the good work of providing a living memorial to Paul and Sheila and the others who died. We are proud that it will be in St. Paul, the city I served as mayor. It is a Paul and Sheila Wellstone kind of place. It is literally where the East meets the West. Since Paul came from the East, as I did, he probably felt very much at home in our ethnic neighborhoods, filled with middle-class working families. It has been a destination for immigrants, as were the Wellstones a generation back.”