Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Rex Bell suffers minor stroke

Libertarian candidate for Indiana governor Rex Bell of Hagerstown was taken to Reid Health after he suffered a medical incident Wednesday night.

Bell became ill during an interview at the Palladium-Item's office in Richmond and asked that 911 be called at about 6 p.m.

He remained conscious and communicative while emergency medical personnel worked with him at the newspaper's office before he was taken to Reid for further treatment.

His wife, Susan, and family members were with him at Reid.

A post on Bell's Facebook page Thursday morning said the gubernatorial candidate suffered a minor stroke.

Bell is running against Republican Eric Holcomb and Democrat John Gregg.

Holcomb issued a statement late Wednesday night, saying, "I learned this evening that Rex Bell was taken to the emergency room. No other details have been provided, but I know I speak for Hoosiers everywhere when I say that Janet and I will keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers."

Bell was chosen as the Libertarian Party candidate for the office of governor in April at the party's convention in Indianapolis, winning by a margin of about 2-1 over candidate Jim Wallace of Fishers.

At the time, Bell credited his win to his lengthy experience as both a Libertarian and a candidate for office. He joined the party in 2000, after seeing a Libertarian convention on TV. In 2002, he helped organize the Wayne County branch of the party.

He is making his eighth run for office. In the past, he has run unsuccessfully for county, state and federal offices. Bell’s best showing was in 2010, when he received 21 percent of the vote in a three-way race for District 54 state representative.

His wife has had more success running for local office. She serves as the town judge in Hagerstown.

Bell, 64, is a general contractor in western Wayne County and a graduate of Hagerstown High School. He grew up on a farm in western Wayne County, attended Indiana University and was a carpenter before starting in general contracting in 1974.