Saturday, April 23, 2016

Libertarians Choose Rex Bell Over Jim Wallace For Governor

West Point grad and successful businessman Jim Wallace of Fishers tried unsuccessfully to run for governor as a Republican in 2012 against Mike Pence. He was tossed from the ballot after the Indiana Election Commission ruled he fell short of the 500 required signatures he needed in each of the state's nine congressional districts. Wallace's hopes of becoming a candidate for governor again this year have similarly been short-circuited as the party opts for a much lower profile candidate for the state's top office.

Spurned by the Republican Party four years ago, Wallace had set his hopes on running for governor this time as a Libertarian. With impressive credentials and the ability to self-finance his campaign, he seemed like a sure bet to be the Libertarian's choice for governor. But a self-employed construction worker from Richmond, Rex Bell, also decided to jump in the race and challenge Wallace. Supporters of Bell dragged up old domestic arrest charges filed against Wallace's ex-wife, questions about his residency (he's lived in St. Petersburg, Florida at least part of the last several years) and his commitment to the race. Delegates to this weekend's Libertarian Party Convention decided Bell was the preferable candidate for governor. 

8 comments:

Leon Dixon said...

". He was tossed from the ballot after the Indiana Election Commission ruled he fell short of the 500 required signatures he needed in each of the state's nine congressional districts." He must take solace that his not getting those 500 signatures back in history led to a change in the principles of the Republican Party/Indiana Election Commission. You don't require any stinking 500 signatures if you have $3,000,000 on hand and unrepresented? Being pragmatic and flexible and diverse and multicultural were values subsequently adopted by......?

Judith Smith-Ille said...

Wallace abused two wiives.

Anonymous said...

This isn't the same Rex Bell that Townes Van Zandt immortalized in Rex's Blues, is it? I thought he died. Heroin overdose? Ride the blue wind, high and free. She'll lead you down to misery. Ahhh, Townes, I miss you Bud. Prince? Not so much.

Unknown said...

Rex Bell is a long time, election winning, Libertarian. He lives his life within the Libertarian values, which has enabled him to raise a successful family, and operate a successful construction company. He may well work in construction, but he owns the company. Rex Bell's wife in an incumbent elected judge who has also been a long time Libertarian. The Bell family has the respect of the County they live in, and the people they work with. The Libertarian Party of Indiana chose Rex Bell by a large majority because of his history and demonstrated ability to live the Libertarian live. To find out more about Rex Bell, visit his website: http://www.electrexbell.com/ - I am not affiliated with his campagn.

Anonymous said...

Rex is an excellent choice. Good on the Libertarians!

Anonymous said...

Let Freedom Ring! (Rex Bell pun for those that don't get it)

Anonymous said...

Jim has an impressive resume and credentials. It is unfortunate he has the past he does true or not. Although he would have made an excellent candidate we cannot have his past drag the party down. Which it will. It will be the first thing an opponent and the media will bring up.

Rex Bell said...

Actually, I entered the race before Wallace, and I have owned and operated Bell Contracting in Hagerstown since founding it in 1974. Thanks for your coverage.