Many grieved despite the fact that they disagreed profoundly with Wellstone on the issues. After all, Wellstone was the Senate's most left-wing member. Mother Jones magazine once dubbed him "the first '60s radical elected to the U.S. Senate."

But Wellstone's tragic death stirred thoughts and emotions that transcended politics. His death reminded us all of the fragility and precious nature of human life. It reminded us that, at its core, life holds profound and momentous experiences and emotions that all of us can share, regardless of whether we agree on arctic drilling or Social Security funding.

After hearing of Wellstone's death, Minnesota candidates of all parties spontaneously halted their campaigns. Out of respect, they canceled important campaign appearances, and pulled all radio and TV ads. In a unique and symbolic moment, John Kline and Bill Luther -- battling for a congressional seat in the Second District -- issued a joint press release to announce a campaign moratorium in a gesture of grief and respect.

But all this was cut short on Tuesday night, when the DFL mounted a "memorial service" for Paul Wellstone at Williams Arena. Organizers billed the service as the culmination of statewide mourning -- an event in which all Minnesotans could join. TV and radio stations, expecting a solemn and moving ceremony, carried the nearly four-hour event live.

But Wellstone's memorial was far from a moving tribute that transcended partisan politics. In fact, those who jammed the auditorium quickly made clear that some who had come to pay their respects were not welcome.

Thunderous ovations erupted as high-profile Democrats, like Jesse Jackson and Bill and Hillary Clinton, entered the auditorium. Republican Sen. Trent Lott, however, was jeered and booed. (Earlier, Vice President Dick Cheney had been pointedly requested to stay away.) Some in the audience even booed Gov. Jesse Ventura as he walked into the hall.

Wellstone's memorial service quickly degenerated into a foot-stomping, fist-pumping DFL pep rally. "Mourners" milled about concession stands, chattering and cheering as they bought hot dogs and soft drinks. As they spoke, a number of speakers delivered provocative partisan lines that seemed clearly designed to draw loud applause.

Partisan frenzy peaked when Rick Kahn, a close Wellstone friend, took the stage. In an impassioned plea, Kahn called on several Republican candidates by name. He urged them to desert their party in coming days and work to elect Wellstone's successor. "We are begging you," he cried, "to help us win this Senate election for Paul Wellstone."

As nakedly partisan rhetoric continued, Jesse and Terry Ventura walked out, reportedly shaking their heads. One observer summed things up this way: "It should have been for Paul's death, not for these people to get votes. This wasn't a memorial."

One hopes that the DFL Party is doing some serious soul-searching. The event's organizers have cynically divided Minnesotans who were united in grief. They have exploited Paul Wellstone's tragic death to promote a highly partisan agenda, milking the event -- and the sympathy it generated -- for all it is worth. In the days after Wellstone's death, candidates of other parties willingly neutralized themselves out of respect for Wellstone. The Wellstone supporters have used the opportunity to launch a full-court press -- with free air time, no less -- to win public attention for the DFL candidates and agenda.

At the national level, things are no different. Prominent Democrats like Sen. Tom Daschle are openly speculating about the best way to use the "Wellstone factor" to maintain their party's majority in the Senate. Party strategists are reportedly scrambling to translate Wellstone's legacy into a rallying cry. They have stated publicly that they will use Wellstone's memory to attract undecided voters and increase turnout.

The Democratic Party has squandered a unique moment in Minnesota's political history. Paul Wellstone's death forcefully reminded every citizen that we are human beings first, and political opponents second. By using his tragic and untimely demise as a campaign prop, the DFL has dishonored his memory, and disappointed Minnesotans of all political affiliations.

-- Katherine Kersten is a senior fellow of the Center of the American Experiment in Minneapolis.