WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former congressman Bob Barr says voters are hungry for an alternative candidate who would dramatically cut the federal government.
The ex-Republican from Georgia says "Americans from all walks of life" believe the country has "more and better to offer than what the current political situation is serving up" -- and that's why he's running for president as a Libertarian.
Barr must first win the Libertarian nomination, though he is considered a front-runner thanks to the national profile he developed while in Congress. The party begins its national convention in 10 days.
Barr quit the Republican party two years ago, saying he had grown disillusioned with its failure to shrink government and its willingness to curtail civil liberties in fighting terrorism. He's also criticized President Bush over the Iraq war.
Some Republicans have tried to discourage Barr from running, saying it could cost John McCain votes. But Barr says he's getting in to win, not to play spoiler.
