Libertarians Getting Ready For Their Denver Convention
Bob Barr, former Republican Congressman announces his intention to run for President as a Libertarian. Will Ron Paul Switch Back?
In about two weeks, the Libertarian Party will hold it’s 2008 Presidential Nomination Convention. Who’s it going to be? How will it affect our 2008 campaign? One thing is for sure, conservatives are not thrilled about John McCain and a serious conservative running as a Libertarian could spell trouble for Johnnie.
Up to now, Ron Paul has been running for President as a Republican candidate. And..he has done better than one might expect. He captured 8% of the North Carolina vote a few days ago. A Ron Paul candidacy as a Libertarian could pull votes from McCain. But if that is going to happen, he needs to make an announcement in the next week or so. As an aside, Ron Paul is on nobody’s list as a VP choice for McCain.
Today, Bob Barr, a former Georgia congressman announced that he will officially seek the Libertarian nomination. He is the first person with national stature to step forward. Click here to go to the Libertarian Party website to check out some of the other persons including several college professors and at least one taxi driver. You will notice that Mike Gravel has also indicated that he wants to be the Libertarian’s pick.
Barr Announces Libertarian White House Bid…
Associated Press, May 12th, 2008
WASHINGTON - Former Republican Rep. Bob Barr launched a Libertarian Party presidential bid Monday, saying voters are hungry for an alternative to the status quo who would dramatically cut the federal government.
His candidacy throws a wild card into the White House race that many believe could peel away votes from Republican Sen. John McCain given the candidates’ similar positions on fiscal policy.
Barr first must win the Libertarian nomination at the party’s national convention that begins May 22. Party officials consider him a front-runner thanks to the national profile he developed as a Georgia congressman from 1995 to 2003.
If he wins the White House, he said he would immediately freeze discretionary spending in Washington. He also would begin withdrawing troops from Iraq and consider slashing spending at federal agencies such as the departments of education and commerce — as well as at overseas military bases. Click here to read more of this story in the Associated Press.
Barr, who has hired Ross Perot’s former campaign manager, acknowledged that some Republicans have tried to discourage him from running. But he said he’s getting in the race to win, not to play spoiler or to make a point.