Jack Reed: “I too rise to pay tribute to Paul Wellstone and send condolences and prayers to the Wellstone family, to all of his…”

“I too rise to pay tribute to Paul Wellstone and send condolences and prayers to the Wellstone family, to all of his hardworking and dedicated staff, and to the other families involved. Paul Wellstone was a passionate, courageous, never wavering fighter for his ideals. He fought vigorously for what he believed in. He fought vigorously for Minnesotans, Americans, and people around the world. And he did so side by side with his wife Sheila, herself an eloquent and forceful advocate for domestic abuse victims and so many others. He was committed to economic and social justice. He was indignant about the lives faced by the poor, the downtrodden, the battered, and all the 'little guys.' He envisioned a better world for everyone, and strove every day to help secure that better world. He was tireless, but never humorless, in this struggle. He challenged Members of the Senate, the President, and all Americans to envision this better world and to join him in the struggle for that better world. He fought for all of us, but most especially for our children, for battered women, for working families, for individuals with disabilities, for seniors, for family farmers, for veterans, for Native Americans, and for new immigrants. He fought to improve education, health care, and the environment. He was a leading voice, a champion, a fighter for these and other important needs of our Nation.”