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Washington, D.C.— The untimely death in a plane crash today of Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN) is a loss not only for the people of Minnesota, but for the nation and all working men and women in America, said National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) President Colleen M. Kelley.

“Senator Wellstone leaves a legacy of the importance of being true to your convictions. He never wavered in his beliefs, and he never wavered from his passion and commitment to American workers and their families,” said Kelley.

The union leader said NTEU shares in the “profound sadness” at the deaths of Sen. Wellstone and seven others, including his wife Sheila and daughter Marcia, in today’s plane crash.

“Senator Wellstone’s death is truly a great loss for the American people and the United States Senate. His was a voice that spoke for so many Americans who are often forgotten. However, he would not allow his Senate colleagues to forget. Though there were senators who did not share his position on some legislative issues, we know there was a shared respect among Republicans and Democrats for his passion, his ability and his unquestionable dedication to principle. He will be greatly missed,” said Kelley.