Former Rep. Bob Barr Wins Libertarian Nod

Former Georgia Congressman (1995-2003), Bob Barr, has won the Libertarian Party nomination as candidate for president. The party convention, held this week in Denver, nominated Barr on the 6th ballot, defeating Mary Ruwart - a research scientist.

Barr, probably best known for his role in the Bill Clinton impeachment trial, left the Republican Party in 2006 and shortly thereafter set up an exploratory commission for the 2008 presidential campaign.

Barr, long a favorite of some conservatives, leads some to think he might pull some votes from John McCain in November. However, since leaving Congress in '03 his personal platform has a decidedly leftist feel. Historically opposed to Bush administration thought on Iraq, Iran and the Patriot Act, Barr has recently joined the ACLU. As a Republican, he too was seen as a maverick, while at the same time his past record of social conservatism seems at odds with traditional Libertarians.

Barr's nomination brings some much needed attention to this alternative party - perhaps in part why he got the nod over more traditional and long-standing Libertarian Party members. On again-off again Libertarian Ron Paul is perhaps the best known of past party members with former Democratic presidential candidate Mike Gravel as it's newest. Gravel fell out of contention after the 4th ballot.