In the divided Senate, senators argue their positions and make deals. At the end of the day the most stubborn are victorious. A plane crash brought agreement. On Oct. 25, friends and enemies, Democrats and Republicans, halted campaigning and offered their condolences for a Senator from Minnesota and his family.

Paul Wellstone, Minnesota's liberal democrat, crossed party lines and made decisions based on his convictions. While other incumbent Democrats up for reelection voted in favor of authorizing the use of military force in Iraq, Wellstone voted no, despite knowing it could cost him the election.

For most, their political future, not their convictions determine their moves in Congress. But not Wellstone, he crossed party lines to work for the good of the people who he served. Bill Schneider, CNN political analyst, said Wellstone was a man of conviction who voted against the Democratic version of the estate tax repeal, national missile defense and permanent normal trade relations with China.

In life, colleagues considered him a radical liberal, but in death they came together to remember his principles. Apparently, representing constituents rather than the party, makes someone a radical liberal. It's ironic how politicians will chastise individuals who do not represent their party's platform when they themselves should be concentrating on serving their constituents, not their political self interest.

There are two realities, a tragedy brings people together and a politician is always a politician. After the crash, CNN reported that President George Bush said, "Paul Wellstone was a man of deep convictions, a plain-spoken fellow who did his best for his state and his country."

Just weeks earlier, the President campaigned for Wellstone's opponent, Norm Coleman. Why would the President campaign against someone who did the best for his state and country? The answer is simple, Wellstone was a Democrat and Bush is a Republican.

Were politicians on Oct. 25 thinking of the Wellstone family when they grieved or were they thinking of their political positioning? Even the ultra conservative Sen. Phil Gramm, told the Pioneer Press he admired Wellstone's tenacity and conviction. How easy it is in politics to disrespect and despise one day and honor and respect the next.

Undoubtedly, officials from both sides were scrambling to modify their campaigns, so as not to appear unsympathetic. Democrats searched for a replacement and within hours the name Walter Mondale surfaced. Coincidentally, this former vice president wants to continue Wellstone's traditions. The Democratic leadership apparently justified taking breaks in their grieving in order to find a winning candidate to help maintain their one seat Senate majority.

There are two facts which remain, a man and his family died and on Nov. 5 an election will be held. When the political maneuvering is completed, it should be interesting to see if these politicians will be able to see the same type of admiration and principles in all of their living colleagues.

• Wellstone