Democrats in Minnesota should be ashamed, and the Republican Party should be clamoring for equal time on TV stations throughout the state, after Tuesday's memorial service for U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone degenerated into a political rally.

It was a night when young and old, Republicans and Democrats, friends and foes, gathered to pay their last respects and celebrate the life of Senator Wellstone, his wife, daughter and five others killed in last Friday's tragic plane crash. But the Democrats chose to ignore a moratorium they agreed to on campaigning until after Tuesday night's memorial service and turned the latter portion of the service into a political rally.

On a night when many discussions focused on memories of those tragically lost, it's unfortunate the words of a few ended up casting a dark cloud over the service. A speech by Rick Kahn in particular reeked of politics and caused some in the audience to leave.

It's been an extremely difficult period for those grieving, those politically impacted by last Friday's horrible events and for all Minnesotans. The behavior of Democrats at Tuesday's memorial service didn't help to give closure to this tragedy, but opened deeper political wounds.

Republicans, and in particular Senator Wellstone's opponent Norm Coleman, have handled themselves with dignity during the difficult days that followed Wellstone's passing. It's a shame Democrats, and Wellstone supporters, couldn't demonstrate the same.

Democrats should apologize for using the death of Senator Wellstone for political gain. The stunt cheapens the memory of a man known for his convictions and ability to stand alone.