Minnesota -- and the country -- lost one of the most passionate senators in its history Friday.

Wellstone had represented Minnesota for 12 years in the United States senate. During that time he worked to defend those who were less fortunate. He never backed down from his liberal stance, even if it risked his public popularity.

Just recently he was the only senator to vote against the bill for the resolution in Iraq, despite a "no" vote's unpopularity and despite that it is an election year.

In 1996, he was the only senator up for re-election that voted against the welfare reform bill. He won the election anyway.

Wellstone is among well-known

Minnesota DFLers, such as Walter Mondale and Hubert H. Humphrey III, who fought for what they felt was best for Minnesota no matter the circumstances.

It's hard to imagine any liberal successor to Wellstone demonstrate the kind of passion and energy he showed while in office.

Even if everyone did not agree with his stance on issues, there's no question Wellstone always stood up for what he believed was the right thing to do.