Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

September 5, 2008 6:02:31 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Libertarian's Run May Raise Barr for McCain

Posted May 24, 08 4:57 PM CDT in Politics 

(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.

Barr insists he would siphon more votes from Barack Obama than McCain, although McCain has alienated the GOP’s anti-government wing with stands on immigration, global warming, and taxation. And as McCain courts conservatives, he risks tying himself to President Bush—an alliance that could help Barr, who wants to crush the Justice Department and defer to states on gay marriage.

Source Economist

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Ron Paul Fans Stage Their Own Party

    Aug 30, 08 2:00 PM CDT
    Ron Paul Fans Stage Their Own Party "Ronvoys" have begun converging on Minneapolis, where Ron Paul supporters plan to gather in a convention near to, but separate from, the Republican hullaboo in St. Paul. Nearly 10,000 anti-war, anti-taxes, anti-big-government, and pro-personal-liberties revelers plan to attend the Rally for the Republic, otherwise known as Ronstock '08, the AP reports.
    More »

  • Barr May Bring Libertarians Into Big Leagues

    Aug 21, 08 9:28 PM CDT
    Barr May Bring Libertarians Into Big Leagues 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 »

  • Poll: McCain Trails by 3 in Arizona

    Jul 11, 08 12:36 PM CDT
    Poll: McCain Trails by 3 in Arizona A new online poll shows Barack Obama leading John McCain 42%-39% in the Republican’s home state of Arizona. Libertarian hopeful Bob Barr is playing a sizable spoiler role, the Washington Independent reports, with 7% of Arizona voters giving him their backing—including 16% who call themselves very conservative. (Independent Ralph Nader claims 2%, and 5% are undecided.) More »

  • Barr's Run Has Many in GOP Worried

    Jun 28, 08 12:02 PM CDT
    Barr's Run Has Many in GOP Worried Bob Barr’s former GOP colleagues have been beseeching the Libertarian Party presidential nominee not to run against John McCain. “Please don’t do it,” Barr happily recounts being told. They fear he could do to McCain what Nader did to Gore in states such as Georgia, Alaska, and Colorado, the New York Times reports. But those prospects are anything but certain. More »

  • Barr Could Be the Ralph Nader of 2008: GOP

    Jun 22, 08 6:23 PM CDT
    Barr Could Be the Ralph Nader of 2008: GOP A former ally has Republicans sweating the possibility that he could siphon votes away from John McCain, the AP says. Bob Barr, an outspoken ex-GOP congressman and Libertarian Party presidential nominee, is now trying to get on the ballot in 20 states in time for November. “Bob could be the Ralph Nader of 2008,” warned a Republican consultant. More »

Ron Paul's bid for the Republican presidential nomination has given "libertarian" ideas more credibility.   (AP Photo)
Former Republican Rep. Bob Barr has announced that he is running for president as a Libertarian.   (AP Photo)
Many Republicans fear Bob Barr could siphon away votes from their presumptive nominee, John McCain.   (AP Photo/Steve C. Wilson)
John McCain presents himself as a tough type of leader in the vein of Teddy Roosevelt not afraid to wield American power abroad.   (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (1 of 8)

Tags

John McCain  • Ron Paul  • Bob Barr  • Libertarian Party  • anti war Republicans



Today's Most Popular


Other Politics Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »