Christopher Michael Padgett, January 27, 1970 -
VP candidate for Independent (2008)
Running mate with nominee: Jesus (Spirit) (ca. 4 BC–ca. AD 30/33 / spirit form: ca. AD 30/33- present)
Popular vote: ? (0.00%)
Electoral vote: 0/538
The campaign:
In 2008 Chris Padgett offered himself as the ideal Vice-Presidential candidate on a ticket with Jesus as a method of light-hearted evangelism. Some samples from Padgett's campaign video--
-What are my credentials? What is my experience? I'll give you experience. Eight kids! If that doesn't give me experience to run a country I don't know what will.
-With my good looks and His divinity, and humanity, and perfection, I think we have a lot to offer. Don't you?
-I want to say that the time is now. Now! For you to make a difference. Get off your feet. Get on your feet, I mean.
-Jesus, dynamically delicious.
Actually, in 2008 a book entitled Jesus for President was a best seller (by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw) and the authors' tour resembled a political campaign. The authors renewed the idea in 2012 as well. Also in 2008 Jesus was the running-mate in the Presidential campaign of Mrs. Betty Bowers, America's Best Christian.
Chris and Linda Padgett converted as a couple to Catholicism in 1999 and the faith became the central core of their lives. They developed their own nonprofit ministry called Catholic Family and Marriage, Inc.
The husband and wife team of Chris and Linda Padgett ran on an Independent ticket in 2012, producing a video with the Presidential candidate advocating with mock seriousness such promises as--
--Increase things,
--Fight pirates.
--Free cheese (for the poor)
--Free health care (including pets)
--P90X required.
--Golf must be a sport in (in China)
--No plastic dolls.
In 2012 Padgett explained his electoral history with deadpan humor and a straight face--
"Here's the thing. Four years ago I ran as Jesus' running-mate and I meant it. And Jesus and I, we've have many conversations since then, but apparently the United States of America was not so interested in having Jesus as President. We had somebody else as President. Things have not been going so great. There have been jobs that are lacking and gas prices are way too high, milk costs a lot of money and people don't get to go on vacations and stuff. And so I thought I would ask Jesus if it was OK if I ran for President this year and he said that I could. And so I am."
Shortly after the 2012 election the Padgetts began a homesteading lifestyle near Syracuse, NY.
Chris Padgett also launched a Youtube campaign for President in 2016, but without mention of a running-mate.
Election history:
2012 - US President (Independent) - defeated
2016 - US President (Independent) - defeated
Other occupations: Catholic Family and Marriage Inc., homesteader, speaker, musician, author
Notes:
Since 2008 the Padgetts had another child.
