John McCain, Bob Barr And The Spoiler Effect

John McCain, Bob Barr And The Spoiler Effect
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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.

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