TV cameras then panned to a beaming Walter Mondale, Wellstone's likely replacement in the U.S. Senate race, which brought more cheers.

"If Paul Wellstone's legacy comes to an end, then our spirits will be crushed and we will drown in a river of tears," a clearly emotional Kahn said.

"We are begging you, do not let that happen. We are begging you to help us win this Senate election for Paul Wellstone."

In a move that brought gasps of delight from some and stony silence from a few, Kahn then began urging select Republicans to drop their partisanship and work for Wellstone's replacement.

He singled out some by name. To U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad, R-Minn., Kahn said, "You know that Paul loved you. He needs you now. . . . Help us win this race"...

It was during Kahn's speech that Gov. Jesse Ventura and First Lady Terry Ventura got up shaking their heads and walked out. Lott also walked out during the service.

Ventura spokesman John Wodele, who wasn't at the service, said it would be "inappropriate to assume [that political rhetoric] was why he left." But of Kahn's speech, Wodele said, "It's too bad. I'd better not say anything else."