Several months ago, consumer advocate Ralph Nader had announced he would be running for United States President again. Many Democrats have called Nader a spoiler for Democratic candidates. There are concerns that Nader’s run could be a potential spoiler for presumed Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama of Illinois.
Not long ago afterwards, former Republican Representative of Georgia Bob Barr announced his run as a candidate for the Libertarian Party. He joined the Libertarian Party back in 2006. Barr’s candidacy has brought fear within the GOP as a potential spoiler for presumed GOP nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona.
That would add to many things for McCain to fear. There is already the Ron Paul Revolution that has been brewing by Republican Representative and former GOP hopeful Ron Paul of Texas. Paul has already formed up the “Campaign for Liberty” with the task of getting more libertarian-leaning Republicans into government offices. There’s even a Ron Paul rally set to take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the same time that the GOP Convention is due to take place in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Barr has gained fame for his part in the impeachment of former US President Bill Clinton. Now, Barr’s run may bring worry to the GOP. Still, Barr’s run for the US Presidency is a very long shot.
However, not many within the GOP are thrilled with McCain as the party’s presumed nominee. Still, McCain has yet to get the support from the conservative bloc of the GOP. The conservative bloc is the one vital bloc of the GOP. According to experts, Barr could possibly exploit why conservatives aren’t warm to the aspect of McCain.
There is also the surge of Democratic voters in the primaries. The ongoing Democratic race has revealed all sorts of potential voting blocs. At the same time, there are voting blocs that may not be exclusive to the GOP this year.
“Bob could be the Ralph Nader of 2008,” says Republican consultant Dan Schnur.
According to Democrats, the GOP needs to worry about Barr. That would add to the list of problems the GOP is dealing with. At this moment, the GOP is struggling to repair its damaged image. Democrats had started winning seats in primarily Republican districts recently. Again, there is still the Ron Paul Revolution.
Still, there are Republicans not breaking a sweat over Barr.
Over time, Barr has shifted his stances on various policies. Right now, Barr is a board member of the National Rifle Association (NRA). He had even sided with the ACLU against the Patriot Act. Now, he lobbies in favor for the use of marijuana.
Supporters of Ron Paul are skeptical of Barr, though. Barr is also trying to tap into the network of the Ron Paul Revolution and the Campaign for Liberty. That has given Barr many looks of skepticism from Paul supporters.