Rachel Catherine Bubar Kelly, November 22, 1922 (Blaine, Me.) - January 14, 2002 (Sarasota, Fla.)
VP candidate for Prohibition Party (aka Independent) (1996)
Running mate with nominee: Earl F. Dodge (1932-2007)
Popular vote: 1,298 (0.00%)
Electoral vote: 0/538
The campaign:
By 1996 the Prohibition Party had become the Earl Dodge Party as he made his fourth run for the Presidency, but there were rumblings from the rank and file. His control of the finances and reluctance to share fiscal information caused some suspicions to be aroused. His character was also being called into question. In the words of a Dodge biography currently posted on the Prohibition Party website itself--
The American Political Items Collectors refused to renew Dodge's membership sometime before 1995, after complaints by several members that Dodge had visited their homes, distracted them, and pocketed things he liked. He is no longer allowed into display areas at APIC meetings (although the meetings are open to the public).
For VP in 1996 Dodge drafted Rachel Bubar Kelly of Maine who was President of the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Although not active with the Party itself until being selected as the running-mate, her brother Benjamin Calvin Bubar Jr. (1917–1995) had been the Prohibition Party Presidential nominee 1976 and 1980 with Dodge as the VP.
The 1996 platform was slightly tweaked from the previous year. The following sections were either added or significantly updated, reflecting an even harder shift to the extreme Right than before. The focus on alcohol was at the end almost as a footnote.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
We recognize that good laws make men free. However, without adequate enforcement and punishment, violation of the law is encouraged. Law enforcement officials at all levels, from local policemen to federal agents, should be empowered and encouraged to support the Constitution.
EDUCATION
The Tenth Amendment reserves education to the states and the people. We will end all federal interference in education and abolish the federal education establishment. Tax dollars spent at the state and local levels will stretch much farther than those that lose 50% in Washington, D.C. and that carry many controls for those who accept them. We support full freedom for private schools and home schooling.
THE FAMILY
To protect and preserve marriage, an institution ordained by God, we favor:
More stringent and uniform marriage and divorce laws;
An end to all tax rates which discriminate against married people;
Disallowance of any legal benefits of marriage to persons living together in an unmarried state; and
Repeal of all laws and rulings which allow governmental interference in parental authority
We oppose the proselytizing actions of the homosexual community which are detrimental to the American family and to the stability of society. Homosexual behavior should not enjoy governmental protection through anti-discrimination laws.
BALLOT LAW REFORM
Republicans and Democrats have created a two-party monopoly by enacting increasingly repressive laws that keep most independent and third-party candidates off the ballot in most states. We will enact a federal law to restore all legitimate political rights to all third-party and independent persons and groups. We support term limits for all members of Congress.
SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS
We support the constitutional right of law-abiding citizens to own and use guns. We favor imposition of long-term prison sentences for those convicted of using firearms to commit a crime. We deplore the irresponsible actions and mishandling by the BATF and FBI in their dealings at Ruby Ridge and Waco.
On the ballot in four states with a sprinkle of write-ins in a few others, the Dodge/Kelly ticket finished strongest in Arkansas 0.05%, Colorado and Tennessee and Utah 0.02% each. In each case they finished dead last or near the bottom. It was their second worst popular vote result to that date in their long history. But the worst was yet to come.
The 1996 election is summarized in the Prohibition Party website: The voters in Dodge’s 1996 campaign for President of The United States had this to say about Earl F. Dodge: He received more votes in Arkansas (483 / 0.05%) where he was virtually unknown than he did in Colorado (375 / 0.02%) where he has lived most of his adult life.
I don't think you'll find a statue of Dodge standing in the Prohibition Party Hall of Fame.
Election history: none
Other occupations: teacher, school principal, President of the National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (1988-1996)
Buried: Pottersville New Cemetery (Pottersville, NY)
Notes:
University of Maine graduate
Her father Benjamin Calvin Bubar Sr. (1876-1967) ran for Governor of Maine as an Independent in
1936.
Her nephew Benjamin Calvin Bubar III ran for the Maine State House as a Republican in 1998.
Arranged an eight-year exhibit at the Smithsonian featuring WCTU historical items.
Her obituary has no mention of her Vice-Presidential run.
