Libertarians ready to roll into Denver
Convention next week expected to be lively event
By Chris Barge, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published May 14, 2008 at 11 p.m.
Barr emerges as front-runner, joined party two years ago.
Denver is bracing for a presidential nominating convention next week that delegates hope will put their candidate in the White House.
No, it's not that convention. The Democrats don't come to town until August.
But nearly 900 Libertarians will meet at the Denver Sheraton (formerly Adam's Mark) to sift through a field of 16 candidates vying for the top spot on the ticket.
Former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr emerged as the front-runner when he announced his candidacy Monday. Another well-known name is former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel.
Barr, a stalwart conservative, was a Republican congressman from Georgia for eight years until 2002.
He helped spearhead President Clinton's impeachment, and joined the Libertarian Party two years ago.
"Bob Barr's announcement has brought renewed energy to the party," said Andrew Davis, Libertarian Party spokesman.
But Larry Sabato, founder of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, calls it "a sideshow."
"This is already a giant, history-making election," Sabato said.
"I'm not sure there's much room for more than what we've got."
Even if the race is tight in November, the candidacy of Barr won't make much of a difference, Sabato added.
That won't stop Libertarians from making the case next week and into the fall that John McCain, Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton are part of the same political establishment.
They will offer their candidate as a refreshing third choice that voters can feel good about supporting.
Libertarian candidates tend to draw more voters from Republican candidates than Democrats.
bargec@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5059
The conclave
* What: Libertarian National Convention
* When: May 22-26; presidential candidate debate is May 24; nomination is May 25
* Where: Denver Sheraton (formerly the Adam's Mark hotel)
* Cost: $10 for the debate; nomination is free; convention ticket packages range from $99 for all business meetings to $469 to attend all events.
* More information: www.denverlpcon.com; or contact Michele Poague at 303-358-6047 or mpoague@mac.com, or BetteRose Ryan at 720-341-2193 or Betterose@aol.com
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