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St. Cloud State University
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Commentary
Replacement candidate will mean new race for voters
Published:
Monday, October 28, 2002
The Senate race was near its climax when the heated competition between candidates Norm Coleman and Paul Wellstone came to an abrupt and tragic end.
But the race is not over.
From the midst of mourners and thoroughly shaken Wellstone supporters, party leaders have risen in an attempt to handle what has become an emotionally and politically charged race like none other in the history of Minnesota.
The Democratic Party's central committee will meet early this week to pick a replacement for Wellstone on the Minnesota ballot, leaving former Wellstone supporters and yet undecided voters a week to determine how to respond at this year's polls.
Many Wellstone supporters may even be feeling unmotivated to vote this November, because their first choice for Senate is no longer an option.
Wellstone's death created a political void that must be filled. While a new candidate will be running in Wellstone's place, it is important for Wellstone's supporters to recognize that he or she will not have the same platform.
Some voters might find it tempting to simply vote for Wellstone's replacement candidate out of principle. Other voters who already decided to vote for Norm Coleman, Jim Moore or Ray Tricomo might be equally tempted to continue supporting their candidate without taking a little time to learn about the new candidate representing the Democrats.
Though only a week is left in the race, a new candidate does make it a new and different one. The candidate deserves an open-minded glance from all voters.
It is the voter's responsibility to make a judicious, informed choice when they go to the polls and to not be bound by sentimentality.
Though this election may be a difficult situation, it is important for voters to differentiate their emotions from the politics of the race and vote with their hearts and their minds.
