- Article
- Comments ()
- Videos
Can a conservative former congressman who helped impeach President Clinton, is a board member of the National Rifle Association and has done contract work with the ACLU dent Sen. John McCain's presidential bid?
That's exactly what Mr. McCain would face if Bob Barr, the former Republican who joined the Libertarian Party two years ago, wins his adopted party's presidential nomination.
"Barr obviously is dangerous. At least he negates any possible Nader benefit," said David Norcross, a New Jersey member of the Republican National Committee and its Rules Committee chairman, arguing Mr. Barr would hurt Republicans at least as much as Ralph Nader, who has announced his own independent presidential bid, would hurt Democrats.
Republican campaign pros said a Barr bid could range from causing them some damage all the way to being the equivalent of Ross Perot's 1992 presidential bid, which many Republicans think split their party's voters, unseating then-President Bush and electing Democrat Bill Clinton.
"Sure, it will hurt. We'll just have to see how much. Will it be like Perot's run? Always that chance," said South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Katon Dawson.
Dinan on the Republicans: McCain not an alien
Video:McCain's marriage is mix of politics, business
Video:McCain turns tables on Letterman
A source familiar with Mr. Barr's thinking says he likely will announce his bid this weekend, at the Heartland Libertarian Conference in Kansas City, Mo., where he is scheduled to speak.
Mr. Barr declined to say whether he would make an announcement, but told The Washington Times, "I will be there certainly, and will be addressing the convention."
He said he has detected "significantly deep dissatisfaction with particularly the Republican Party and the Republican likely nominee," and that leaves an opening for someone with his views.
"I think that's something that Ron Paul tapped into very clearly, so I would see support for a candidacy, if I were to become a candidate, given the issues and philosophy that I have, coming from disaffected Republicans, new voters that were attracted to Ron Paul's message, younger voters that have a very deep skepticism of the way the country is headed economically," he said, adding he could appeal to liberal voters concerned about the erosion of civil liberties.
But Mr. Barr would have to make his run without the official backing of Mr. Paul.
Post a comment
There are comments on this article, submit your opinion!
Please login or register to post a comment