Libertarian's Run May Raise Barr for McCain

Possible candidate could benefit from Mac's ties to Bush

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted May 24, 2008 4:57 PM CDT

(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.

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)

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Libertarian's Run May Raise Barr for McCain

Possible candidate could benefit from Mac's ties to Bush

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Barr May Bring Libertarians Into Big Leagues

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

Bob Barr Tosses Hat Into Presidential Ring

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

Obama Pulls Ahead in Montana

Poll shows first-time lead for Democrat

Libertarian Barr Not Here for the Party Unity

Greets Ron Paul's 'undorsement' with snub, solo event

Barr's Run Has Many in GOP Worried

Libertarian candidate could play spoiler, but lacks key resources

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Libertarian's Run May Raise Barr for McCain

Possible candidate could benefit from Mac's ties to Bush

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

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

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Barr May Bring Libertarians Into Big Leagues

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

Bob Barr Tosses Hat Into Presidential Ring

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

Obama Pulls Ahead in Montana

Poll shows first-time lead for Democrat

Libertarian Barr Not Here for the Party Unity

Greets Ron Paul's 'undorsement' with snub, solo event

Barr's Run Has Many in GOP Worried

Libertarian candidate could play spoiler, but lacks key resources

About Us

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Newser By Users

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