Mondale set for return in key Senate seat

Former Democratic vice-president Walter Mondale was yesterday poised to replace the late Senator Paul Wellstone in the 5 November election in Minnesota – a pivotal contest in a desperately close battle for control of the Senate.

Mr Mondale, who represented Minnesota in the Senate for 12 years, is understood to have been asked to step in by Mr Wellstone's son David.

The party's national leadership is also leaning on the 74-year-old former vice-president.

Mr Mondale will make no decision until Mr Wellstone's funeral tomorrow. But he has indicated an interest.

Mr Wellstone, his wife and daughter died in a plane crash on Friday during a campaign trip in Minnesota.