On September 26, 2024, the iconic green campaign bus of the late DFL Senator Paul Wellstone was pulled out of the woods where it had been parked for years and transported to Northfield, Minnesota, for restoration. This bus, which was acquired for $3,500 during Wellstone's first campaign in 1990, has remained largely untouched since his tragic death in a plane crash on October 25, 2002 [2b8702c0].
Dave Wellstone, the senator's son, is leading the restoration efforts with a vision to revitalize the bus as a symbol of hope and bipartisan cooperation. The restoration is expected to take at least three months, with plans for the bus to make its debut in the Harding Days parade on July 5, 2025 [2b8702c0]. Dave Wellstone has also expressed aspirations for the bus to deliver Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to the Capitol if she wins the gubernatorial race, marking a significant moment as she could become the first female and Native American governor of Minnesota [2b8702c0].
The restoration of Wellstone's campaign bus not only honors his legacy but also serves as a reminder of the importance of community engagement and political activism. As the bus is brought back to life, it stands as a testament to Wellstone's enduring impact on Minnesota politics and the values of unity and progress that he championed [2b8702c0].