Gov. candidate Rex Bell at Indy hospital recovering from stroke

Libertarian candidate for governor Rex Bell is receiving treatment for a minor stroke at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Bell's wife, Susan, said her husband is expected to make a full recovery as long as he "rests and follows doctor's orders."

Bell was transferred from Reid Health in Richmond to Methodist at about midnight Wednesday.

"We're in the right place," Susan Bell said Thursday morning. "We received good care at Reid."

Susan Bell said her husband received treatment in time for him to receive the tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) medication. The medication works by dissolving the clot and improving blood flow to the part of the brain being deprived of blood, but must be administered within three to fours of onset, according to the American Stroke Association website.

A statement posted by Rex Bell's campaign on its Facebook page added, "Mr. Bell is receiving excellent care, even spending the morning joking with doctors and nurses. He is fully aware and coherent, communicating as normal. He is expected a full recovery and to be released soon.

"The Bell family is touched by the outpouring of support, and they wish to thank Hoosiers for their thoughts, prayers and kind words. We continue to ask that the family be allowed to focus on Mr. Bell’s health and a speedy recovery," the statement said.

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

​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.

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