Barr Considers Libertarian Bid for White House

Ex-GOP rep launches exploratory committee for 2008 race

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 6, 2008 11:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – With only seven months left in the presidential race, Republican-turned-Libertarian Bob Barr is considering tossing his hat belatedly into the ring, the Hill reports. The ex-congressman said it was up to the Libertarians to give the American people a "real choice." "They deserve better than the choices that they have faced year after year after year, and that is for going for the lesser of two evils,” he said.

Barr served four terms in Congress and led the House prosecution team during Bill Clinton's impeachment trial. He was voted out in 2002 and has been a fierce critic of the Bush administration ever since. Barr has been on the NRA board as well as a consultant to the ACLU on privacy issues. If Barr decides to go for the Libertarian nomination, rivals will include former Democratic presidential candidate Mike Gravel.

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Former Rep. Bob Barr, one of the House Republican managers who oversaw President Clinton's impeachment proceedings, is considering a run for the White House as a Libertarian. (Getty Images)

If Barr decided to go for the Libertarian nomination, he will be up against six rivals, including former Democratic senator Mike Gravel. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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Bob Barr Libertarian National Convention 2006 (ESun4C (YouTube))

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Barr Considers Libertarian Bid for White House