Hot on Facebook

Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Bob Barr Tosses Hat Into Presidential Ring

Ex-GOP rep., now Libertarian, could be McCain's Nader

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted May 12, 2008 12:43 PM CDT

(Newser) – Bob Barr is running for president as a Libertarian, the former Republican congressman announced today. Once a conservative superstar who headed the impeachment crusade against Bill Clinton, Barr grew into a vocal Bush critic, and left the GOP in 2006. Barr says America wants a choice outside the two parties—and he could be a Nader-esque problem for John McCain, CNN notes.

“America has more and better to offer than what the current political situation is serving up to us,” Barr said today. “We believe in an America that is not and should not be and should never be driven by fear as current policies on behalf of both parties are in this country.”

In this July 22, 2004, file photo Rep. Bob Barr, R-Georgia, participates in discussion at the National Conference of State Legislatures in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Steve C. Wilson)

In this Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007 file photo, former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr speaks at a news conference in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Barr May Bring Libertarians Into Big Leagues

He's got the experience to draw votes and make his party relevant

(NEWSER) - Though still far on the periphery of the American political scene, the Libertarian Party stands to reach unprecedented visibility with its nomination of former Republican congressman Bob Barr, writes David Weigel in Reason. By picking its "most well-known and politically astute" candidate—and one who doesn’t compromise its radical mission—the party might actually force people to pay attention come November, he argues. More»

Third-Party Picks Causing Barely a Ripple

Barr, Nader not polling high enough to be game-changers

(NEWSER) - Third-party candidates across the nations are highly unlikely to siphon off anywhere near a significant number of votes this election day, Time reports. Libertarian Bob Barr is polling around 1%—down from a peak of 6% in the summer—with Ralph Nader faring the same. The longshot candidates say their goal is not to act as spoilers, but to make discontent heard and to reform the electoral process. More»

Barr Set for Libertarians

Ex-Republican nabs nomination, names running mate

(NEWSER) - Bob Barr won the Libertarian nomination yesterday, beating scientist Mary Ruwart 324-276 after six rounds of voting. The former GOP congressman from Georgia then swiftly named fifth-round dropout Wayne Allyn Root as his vice-presidential choice. Former Democratic candidate Mike Gravel, meanwhile, dropped out in the fourth round. More»

Libertarian's Run May Raise Barr for McCain

Possible candidate could benefit from Mac's ties to Bush

(NEWSER) - Many Americans don't know Bob Barr, but they may become familiar with him as John McCain’s Ralph Nader in the 2008 election, the Economist reports. The former GOP lawmaker is seeking the Libertarian Party’s presidential nomination, and his viability shows that McCain still has work to do to win over Republican voters. More»

Obama Pulls Ahead in Montana

Poll shows first-time lead for Democrat

(NEWSER) - For the first time, Barack Obama is leading John McCain in Montana, 44% to 40%, a poll suggests. Obama is seen as stronger on the economy by 48% to McCain’s 42%, though voters prefer McCain on foreign policy, 52% to 42%. Obama’s overall lead is within the MSU-Billings poll’s margin of error, KULR-8 TV reports. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Bob Barr Tosses Hat Into Presidential Ring

Ex-GOP rep., now Libertarian, could be McCain's Nader

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

John McCain • Ron Paul • Libertarian Party • libertarianism • third party candidacy • Election 2008 • Bob Barr

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Barr May Bring Libertarians Into Big Leagues

He's got the experience to draw votes and make his party relevant

Third-Party Picks Causing Barely a Ripple

Barr, Nader not polling high enough to be game-changers

Barr Set for Libertarians

Ex-Republican nabs nomination, names running mate

Libertarian's Run May Raise Barr for McCain

Possible candidate could benefit from Mac's ties to Bush

Obama Pulls Ahead in Montana

Poll shows first-time lead for Democrat

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?

Bob Barr Tosses Hat Into Presidential Ring

Ex-GOP rep., now Libertarian, could be McCain's Nader

Bookmark & Share

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

John McCain • Ron Paul • Libertarian Party • libertarianism • third party candidacy • Election 2008 • Bob Barr

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Barr May Bring Libertarians Into Big Leagues

He's got the experience to draw votes and make his party relevant

Third-Party Picks Causing Barely a Ripple

Barr, Nader not polling high enough to be game-changers

Barr Set for Libertarians

Ex-Republican nabs nomination, names running mate

Libertarian's Run May Raise Barr for McCain

Possible candidate could benefit from Mac's ties to Bush

Obama Pulls Ahead in Montana

Poll shows first-time lead for Democrat

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?