There were no campaign materials. On the wall hung a hand written sign. But, despite the lack of propaganda, spirits were so high among local DFL supporters who gathered for Ted Mondale’s visit. The son of U.S. Senate candidate Walter Mondale visited Trumble’s Restaurant in Albert Lea in Saturday morning.

“Frankly, I think the people know who he is and where he is at,” the former vice president’s son said about his father. “The nation and world watching us to see if the progressive politics in Minnesota is successful.”

Walter Mondale, who accepted the nomination for the Senate candidate as the replacement for late Paul Wellstone, launched his five-day campaign Thursday. Ted is leading a caravan campaign tour around the state until the Tuesday election.

Walter Mondale’s decision to run for the seat was made at the family dinner table the day after the tragic death of former senator, according to Ted. “This is a pretty tough race. And it’s tougher when we have only five days,” he said.

“Wellstone is somebody we all learned from,” former State Senator Tracy Beckman, who was in attendance at the vist, said. “Nobody else would be able to fill the void like Mondale, I believe.”

Among 50 people who showed up during the breakfast time gathering were State House incumbent Henry Kalis, State House candidate Allan Halvorsen, State Senate candidate Dan Sparks, Albert Lea mayor candidate Mark Anderson, Dave Fredrickson of National Farmer’s Union, Doug Peterson of Minnesota Farmer’s Union and Trades and Labor Assembly Chair Dick Hagen.