Scheem Milton Hempstead, June 21, 1982 (Ohio) -
VP candidate for Independent Democrat (2016)
Running mate with nominee: James Jerome Bell (b. 1966)
Popular vote: 9 (0.00%)
Electoral vote: 0/538
The campaign:
James Jerome "Jerry" Bell of Cleveland, Ohio provided his autobiography on his Weebly page--
Mr. James Jerome Bell was born on June 22 - three months premature to a teenage unwed mother and father who abandoned him shortly after birth. Because he was without the proper guidance a young man needs, James learned to become industrious and clever. This often lead to a certain level of mischief. Once married, his mother, Madelynne, brought a new found stability to young Jame's life. At this time Mr. Bell was also introduced to the Jehovah's Witness faith. After a brief marriage to Anderson Tate, Jr., young James became the man of the house.
James mastered the art of using initiative to bring in money for his now fatherless home. Although many would look at James' childhood as poverty and resource stricken, it was filled with love, a sense of achievement and the seeds of leadership. At that time, another pivotal moment came when "J" was transferred to a new High School - Jane Adams in Cleveland, Ohio.
At his new school he excelled in academics, student government and public speaking. To match his new learning experience, James wore suits and ties to school. This not only set him apart from other students, but it also set a new precident for a lifetime of personal grooming standards.
Because of family commitments, James stayed close to home and went to a local community college. During that same period Mr. Bell became a Private First Class 13 BRAVO in the Ohio National Guard; which, preempted the First Gulf War. By age 21, James had earned his real estate, life insurance and notary licenses. But, in May 1989, James was involved in a major car accident where he needed Brain Surgery and was comatose for 5 days.
After coming out of his comma, "J" remained in the hospital for an additional 39 days.. A life full of promise was forever altered in that, shortly thereafter; James was diagnosed with Bipolar brought on by a craniotomy in which, a blood clot had been removed. Although most people would have played the victim of such a near-death experience, James' new found crises has in hindsight, been a blessing in disguise.
Surmounted by various legal run-ins, Mr. Bell's whoas finally culminated into him doing a 6 month bit in the notorious Ohio prison system. It was there James found a new sense of purpose and direction. Having a plan to work upon release proved to be beneficial both to James and his new found aspirations.
Upon his release, living with his Grandma Tate briefly, James reconnected with his past in order to ensure a brighter future for himself. After re-dedicating his life to the Jehovah's Witness faith, James also became newly married. At that same time he launched a brand new thriving business. Everything's everything should have been wonderful. Except for the constant oneupmanship James faced from his wife. James soon came to realize his wife's main goal was to isolate him. They divorced May 2009.
With freedoms m and optimism renewed, James was set on the course of reading, googling and writing. During this time, his mother was in Hospice twice, and the thought resonated with James that he simply could not lose her... She was his first commitment with a promise. James deeply prayed and visited his mother daily with her favorite vine tipped tomatoes. His mother threatened with gangrene which, miraculously healed; was subsequently release from Hospice giving James a renewed faith both in family and future.
Today, James is involved in many projects, some of which are promoting the book: "The Science of Greatne$$," seeking funding for a highly anticipated Documentary as well as continuing to be a Notary Public in the Great State of Ohio, Legal Shield Representative and highly sought out Public Speaker in addition to volunteering at a local Hospice.
Bell's Presidential campaign began in July 2015. His LinkedIn account includes a mission statement--
I am running for President because the people who make up the majority of the oppressed, downtroddened and disillusioned can't wait any longer for the sweet sound of the redemptive sound of a freedom that will never be voluntarily given from our Opressor. We must come to a unanimous accord of love ,peace and justice.Forging ahead with the fortitude and tenacity of a true man that cares for all of God's people of all backgrounds. We have common ground that allows us a opportunity to begin to grasp the real meaning of brotherhood inspired by the deep interdependence of hope.Under my rule peace wil flow like an oasis of love.Each one will have his needs satisfied by righteousness inspired by unrelenting faith.The wicked will not be allowed to interfere with the tranquilness of a New America inspired by the ideals that this country was founded on and continue to inspire the world for the greater good. I ask that you keep me in your prayers and stay true to yourself because nobody else has the power to make you happy.
Bell's running-mate was Scheem Milton Hempstead, also from the Clevelend area.
The Bell/Hempstead ticket were registered as write-ins only in the state of Ohio. Starting in Nov. 2018 Bell also planned to run in the Democratic Presidential primaries in 2020 but changed course in Apr. 2019 and ran for the US House instead.
Election history: none
Other occupations: ?
Notes:
Two potential roadblocks in the event of a Bell/Hempstead victory. First, they were residents of the same state. Second, Hempstead would not turn 35 until after Inauguration Day 2017.
