Sen. Bob Smith Says His Wife’s OK and He’s Still in the Presidential Race
Sen. Bob Smith of New Hampshire is continuing his independent run for president, dispelling speculation last month that he might drop his longshot campaign because of his wife’s health.
“The bottom line is I’m still in the race. I’m planning to continue as an independent candidate. I’m very excited about it,” Smith told the Associated Press on Thursday.
When Smith announced last month that he would not be a candidate for the U.S. Taxpayers Party, he also hinted the future of his campaign was in question because of health concerns about his wife, Mary Jo. She was in the hospital for tests after suffering chest and arm pain.
Smith said the tests were negative, his wife is fine and he is continuing his campaign to try to unify conservatives and other voters disenchanted with the political process and two-party system.
On July 13, Smith pulled out of the Republican Party in a dramatic speech on the Senate floor because he felt it was not living up to its platform.
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
