Republicans already politicizing Kennedy's death

Seven years ago, Republican leaders charged that Democrats "insulted the memory" of Paul Wellstone and "hijacked" his memorial by "turning it into a political rally."  Hogwash!  That service was exactly what Wellstone had said he wanted.

Now the Republicans are shocked - shocked! - that Democrats would push for health reform in Ted Kennedy's name.

The Democrats aren't being disrespectful by daring to advocate for the issue that Kennedy called the "cause of his life."  The so-called "Wellstone effect" consists of false accusations and crocodile tears from Republicans in a crass attempt to exploit the death for their own political gain.