John McCain, Bob Barr And The Spoiler Effect

Despite rumblings that Libertarian Party presidential candidate Bob Barr could Ralph Nader Republicans this November, some political observers are saying not so fast.

Similar to most third-party tickets in recent presidential elections, the former GOP congressman from Georgia has been labeled a long shot with no real chance of winning. But, much like Green Party candidate Ralph Nader -- who some believe siphoned crucial votes from Democrat Al Gore in 2000, costing him the election -- Barr could be seen as a spoiler for Republican Sen. John McCain this year in important swing states. And Colorado is one of them.

"If it's a close race in states like Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada or Montana, it could have an impact," said Patrick Davis, a Republican strategist who lives in Colorado Springs. "It's worth looking at other third-party campaigns, like Ross Perot with the Reform Party who did very well in 1992 all up and down the Western Slope of the Rockies. Although possible, I don't think Bob Barr has the personality of Ross Perot and I don't think he will have enough resources to get his message out in order to really have an impact."

Keep reading at the Colorado Independent.

Comments

[CruiseCarter]

08:23 AM on 06/27/2008

The differences between McCain and Obama are minimal, when you consider that both believe big government can save you from yourself, and that we can save other nations from themselves as well. I will not play along with the game of lesser of two evils, as I believe that is part of what has plunged this nation into the mess we find ourselves today.
Please visit bobbarr2008.com and give liberty a voice in the Presidential debates and beyond.

[theone718]

08:52 PM on 06/26/2008

All I care about Barr doing is aiding in getting us North Carolina and Georgia. There were 950,000 African Americans that did not vote in Georgia alone in 2004. With that turnout increased and Bob Barr taking votes from McSame, we can turn that southern state blue.

[wayoutleft]

12:11 PM on 06/26/2008

beware of the 3d parties in the big battleground states where obama will soon lead by about 70 freaking points on his way to carry everything but mccain's hat.

[orangepetal]

06:53 AM on 06/26/2008

It aint gonna happen, everybody will vote Mc Cain! Republicans are too clever, they have to be, they run companies,and they love their money in their wallet.

[edwarvir]

05:56 PM on 06/25/2008

Where do I send my donation to for his campaign, I will give him five dollars
if it will help defeat the warmonger john

[doctorwang]

02:57 PM on 06/25/2008

Barr alone may not have much of an impact on McCain's campaign. However a Barr/Paul ticket would certainly draw a substantial amout of votes away from the Republicans. It is a real possibility (albeit remote). One can only hope! Go to:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/06/12/paul-people-will-have-a-chance-with-barr/