Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.) Dies in Plane Crash, Had Been One of Congress’ Biggest Health Care Advocates
Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.), his wife Sheila and his daughter Marcia Markuson, along with three campaign workers and two pilots, died in a plane crash on Friday, the New York Times reports. Wellstone had been locked in a tight reelection race against former St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman (R), and his death may have repercussions for the "balance of power" in the Senate, where Democrats currently hold a one-seat majority, the Times reports (Wilgoren, New York Times, 10/26). Wellstone's seat is considered "key" to maintaining Democrats' control of the Senate, and it has not yet been decided who will replace Wellstone on the ballot. Minnesota law "appears" to mandate that Wellstone's name be replaced on the ballot; a replacement candidate would have about one week to campaign, the Washington Post reports (Von Drehle/Marx, Washington Post, 10/26). Minnesota Democratic leaders and Wellstone's eldest son are urging former Vice President Walter Mondale to replace Wellstone on the ballot, but Mondale has made no comment on whether he will do so (Feinberg, CNN.com, 10/27). The Washington Post reports that it is "likely" that Mondale will agree to run in Wellstone's place in the election. Democrats have until Thursday to select a replacement candidate (Broder/VandeHei, Washington Post, 10/27). Further, Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura (I) is allowed, but is not required, to appoint a replacement to serve for the remainder of Wellstone's Senate term. Ventura has declined to say whether he would do so, only stating that he will not appoint himself to the seat. The Post reports that Ventura's decision could "significantly" influence the upcoming "lame-duck" Senate session because lawmakers are expected to deal with several important bills in the next few months, including appropriations measures (Washington Post, 10/26).
Wellstone supported enhanced insurance coverage for mental illnesses (Dewar, Washington Post, 10/26). Along with Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), he co-sponsored a bill that aims to build upon a 1996 mental health parity law. The 1996 law mandated that health plans that cover mental illnesses could not establish different annual and lifetime benefits for those illnesses than for physical illnesses. The Domenici-Wellstone bill also would bar health plans from establishing higher deductibles or copayments for mental health benefits than for other medical conditions (California Healthline, 10/18). Wellstone also this year co-sponsored a measure that would order HHS to bargain directly with pharmaceutical companies to "force down" the cost of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries (California Healthline, 3/27). In the past, he has criticized the Bush administration for "ignoring" ergonomics issues (American Health Line, 7/20/01). Wellstone favored universal health care (Dewar, Washington Post, 10/26). In 2001, he proposed a plan that would require states to develop their own universal coverage programs, with the federal government providing matching funds to help cover the cost (American Health Line, 3/1/01). In addition, Wellstone often voted against restrictions on abortions (Thistle, Duluth News-Tribune, 10/26). MPR's "Marketplace" Friday reported on Wellstone's work as an "ardent defender of the rights of children" (Henn, "Marketplace," MPR, 10/25). A transcript and audio of the segment in RealPlayer are available online.
The following is a roundup of reaction by various health care groups:
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American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry: President Dr. Gary Kennedy said, "Sen. Wellstone was a strong advocate for quality mental health care for all Americans. ... His leadership, passion and commitment will surely be missed, not only in the Senate, but across the country" (AAGP release, 10/25).
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American Psychiatric Association: President Dr. Paul Appelbaum and Medical Director Dr. Steven Mirin said, "The American Psychiatric Association joins all Americans in mourning the tragic loss of Sen. Paul Wellstone, a true mental health champion and a spirited leader of the U.S. Senate. His dedication to mentally ill patients, their families and those who treat the mentally ill has been paramount in advancing federal mental health parity legislation" (APA release, 10/25).
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Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids: President Matthew Myers and Executive Vice-President William Corr said, "We are truly saddened to learn of the death of United States Sen. Paul Wellstone of Minnesota, as well as members of his family, staff and others aboard his plane. Our nation has lost a gifted public servant who cared deeply about protecting our nation's kids from the deadly consequences of tobacco use" (Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids release, 10/25).
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Epilepsy Foundation: Chair Linda Warner said, "Sen. Wellstone was a great advocate for people with disabilities and their families. ... We can only hope that others will step forward and carry on his efforts on behalf of the underrepresented in our society and especially Americans with physical and mental disabilities" (Epilepsy Foundation release, 10/25).
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HHS: Secretary Tommy Thompson said, "I am saddened by the death of Minnesota Sen. Paul Wellstone. Sen. Wellstone was always a man of unwavering convictions, dedication and devotion to his work, his family, the state of Minnesota and our nation" (HHS release, 10/25).
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National Alliance for the Mentally Ill: President Jim McNulty said, "Our members have loved and admired Sen. Wellstone for his tireless advocacy on behalf of people with mental illness. Whether fighting for passage of mental health insurance parity legislation or conducting an unannounced visit to a juvenile justice facility, he brought a rare passion and energy to fighting discrimination against people with mental illness as part of a broader commitment to individual dignity, freedom, and bonds of justice that bring our nation together as a community" (NAMI release, 10/25).
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National Mental Health Association: President and CEO Michael Faenza said, "No one stood up more consistently or courageously [as Wellstone] for the ideals our 100-year-old movement holds at its center. As a nation and a movement, we have lost someone whose contribution would be hard to measure or describe" (NMHA release, 10/25).
- Parkinson's Action Network: President Joan Samuelson said, "This is a huge loss for the Parkinson's community. Sen. Wellstone was our fiercest champion. Every time he spoke, he raised our spirits and strengthened our hope" (PAN release, 10/25).