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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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 OPINION 
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Barr's Run Has Many in GOP Worried

Libertarian candidate could play spoiler, but lacks key resources

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(Newser) – 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.

He's short on money, resources, and name recognition. Barr conceded that some view him as a “Johnny-come-lately.” Others view him suspiciously: Libertarians are wary of the former Georgia congressman because he voted for the Patriot Act and authorization for the Iraq war. But Obama’s campaign manager predicted Barr would win support, with “most of it coming out of McCain’s hide.”

Some Republicans fear that former Rep. Bob Barr, R-Georgia, could take votes away from John McCain.
Some Republicans fear that former Rep. Bob Barr, R-Georgia, could take votes away from John McCain.   (AP Photo/Steve C. Wilson)
John McCain's chances at victory could be threatened by Bob Barr, who is on the ballot in 30 states.
John McCain's chances at victory could be threatened by Bob Barr, who is on the ballot in 30 states.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Libertarian Party presidential nominee, former Georgia Rep. Bob Barr concedes that some people view him as a
Libertarian Party presidential nominee, former Georgia Rep. Bob Barr concedes that some people view him as a "Johnny-come-lately."   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Libertarian presidential nominee Bob Barr addresses is lacking in money, resources, and name recognition.
Libertarian presidential nominee Bob Barr addresses is lacking in money, resources, and name recognition.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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