John Marx

John David Marx (born May 11, 1945 in Corinth, Missouri) is an American politician and activist who sought the Democratic Party nomination for President of the United States in 2004.

Early years

Marx was born and raised in Corinth, Missouri. His mother worked two jobs to provide for the family because his father died when he was three. Marx earned his Bachelor's degree in Law from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1969. He later graduated with his Juris Doctrine from Cumberland Law School in 1971. After graduation from law school, Marx moved back to Corinth and was elected to the Corinth City Council in 1972. This was followed by Marx being elected Mayor of Corinth in 1976.

Political Boost

In 1976, the same year he was elected mayor, Marx served as asst. campaign manager for the Richard Nixon Presidential Campaign, 1976. After this, Marx parted ways with the Republican Party and joined the Missouri Democratic Party in 1977. The following year (1978) he founded the Missouri Political Action lobbying group. And in 1981 Marx was chosen to be Chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party.

Disability

On May 19, 1985, Marx was travelling home from a political forum in St. Louis when he went to sleep and struck a bridge. Marx was thrown 500 feet from his vehicle and broke 11 bones including his back. Top American surgeons said Marx would never walk again, but he proved them wrong when he addressed the Democratic National Convention in 1988. Still, Marx was unable to conduct daily activities properly and was given disability from the state of Missouri. He was also granted an early retirement as Chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party.

Come Back

After being out of the political seen for more than a decade, Marx join the Missouri Democratic Gubernatorial Primary in 2002. Although he lost by 10%, this was considered a very strong comeback by most political analyst and commentators. This boosted Marx's momentum and he began discussing a potential candidacy for U.S. President in 2004.

Presidential Candidacy

After announcing his candidacy on January 14, 2003, Marx went to work fundraising and established a campaign headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. He ran on what he described as a "no non-sense ticket". He talked AbOUT issues such as the economy, taxes, and social security. He often shied away from the issues of abortion, same-[...] marriage, and war. But on January 3, 2004, all the hard work did not pay off when he didn't receive a single vote at the Iowa Caucus.

Personal Life

Marx is married to the former Elizabeth Kelley of Nebraska. The couple have three children, Amelia(34), Todd(29), and Josie(26). After his failed presidential candidacy in 2004, Marx and his wife moved to Jefferson County, Missouri and retired to a small ranch and farm. The whole Marx family reunite monthly to take mass together at a local Catholic church in St. Louis.