Twelve Years and Thirteen Days

"This isn't a sad book, any more than Paul and Sheila’s lives were sad. Gydesen captures the couple's passion for social change more vividly than the thousands of words written about them. If you were there, it will bring back a flood of memories. If you weren't, it's sure to show you how two people's convictions can move so many to action."—Mpls.St.Paul Magazine

"Twelve Years and Thirteen Days captures Wellstone’s commitment to social and economic justice in his 1990 and 1996 campaigns as well as the 13 days after his death in a plane crash."—Duluth News Tribune

"The moving story of Paul and Sheila Wellstone’s joint political career as told in photos. Seeing them in small-town diners, at senior citizen centers, on their battered old campaign bus, and at victory rallies, we are reminded how much of their success as progressive champions was rooted in a connection with everyday citizens."—Utne

A moving tribute to Minnesota’s most committed political couple

Senator Paul Wellstone is remembered for his infectious enthusiasm and his ardent devotion to helping all people gain a voice in American politics. In a remarkable collection of more than seventy photographs, Terry Gydesen captures the energy and passion that Wellstone brought to his work as he met people on the street, spoke at union halls and colleges, and rallied volunteers at campaign headquarters. She accompanied Wellstone and his wife Sheila on the now-famous refurbished green school bus as they traveled throughout Minnesota delivering his populist message and effectively building grassroots support during his campaigns for the U.S. Senate in 1990 and 1996. She photographed the honest grief and outpouring of affection as thousands of Minnesotans openly mourned the untimely deaths of Paul, Sheila, their daughter Marcia, and three staff workers in a plane crash just thirteen days before the 2002 election. Finally, Gydesen documented Walter Mondale’s brief but remarkable campaign, as well as the disappointment in his defeat.

Essays by Walter F. Mondale and Jeff Blodgett, Wellstone’s former student and longtime campaign manager, complement the photographs with personal reminiscences of the Wellstones as political colleagues and friends.

Twelve Years and Thirteen Days commemorates the Wellstones’s commitment to social and economic justice and will be an inspiration to those throughout the country who share their values. To further honor their memory, a portion of author royalties from the sale of this book will benefit Wellstone Action!, a nonprofit organization dedicated to continuing Paul and Sheila’s fight for progressive change.

Terry Gydesen is a documentary photographer whose passion for covering political campaigns began in 1988 when she was commissioned as Jesse Jackson’s staff photographer during his presidential campaign. Her work has been published in many newspapers and magazines, including the New York Times, Newsweek, Washington Post, Boston Globe, People, Ms., and Mpls.St.Paul.