Who is Bob Barr? Why is He Running for President?

Who is Bob Barr? You may have noticed his name on your ballot when you were casting your vote for president. Bob Barr is running on the Libertarian ticket this year. He is a former member of the US House of Representatives. Barr joined the Libertarian party in 2006, prior to that he was a Republican. You may have heard his name before as one of the main leaders of the impeachment of William Jefferson Clinton.

Bob Barr's campaign, Liberty for America, is one other option you can choose if you do not want to vote for Barack Obama or McCain, or if you would rather not vote Republican or Democrat.

Let's take an unbiased look at some of issues that Bob Bar has voted for or against.

Bob Barr on Civil Rights. Bob Barr supported an anti-flag desecration amendment in 2001. Barr voted YES to banning gays from adopting in DC in 1999. Bob Barr criticized efforts to restrict the rights of homosexuals in June 2008. Also in civil rights, Bob Barr voted YES on putting a stop to preferential treatment by race in college admissions in 1998.

Bob Barr supports balanced budget amendment and line item veto in 1994, wanted to allow $3 on 1040 form to pay off national debt in 2000, and in 2008 he reported that earmarks are an abuse by congress.

Bob Barr reported in 2001 that schools should be able to display the words "God Bless America."

In 1999, Bob Barr voted yes on establishing tax exempt Medical Savings Accounts. Voted in 1998 to collect data about birth defects and present these facts to the public. In 2001 he voted yes to suing HMOs, and in 2000 he voted yes to subsidizing private insurance for the Medicare Prescription Drug plan.

Bob Barr reports that he regrets voting for the USA Patriot Act. Bob Barr sponsored a bill that would allow the assassination of terrorist leaders in 2001.

In 1998 Bob Barr voted no on giving more Visas to alien skilled workers and also sponsored a bill to declare English as the United States official language in 1999.

Bob Barr is also a big supporter of the Fair Tax which would replace the IRS plus payroll taxes. He also wants to repeal the 16^th amendment and get rid of income taxes in 2008. Also supports eliminating the death tax (estate tax), voted yes to a $46B tax cut for small businesses, and to reduce the capital gains tax.

In 1994 Bob Barr wanted to limit the amount of time a person can be on welfare to two years and to cut welfare spending overall.

Although highly unlikely that Bob Barr would win the presidential election, having Bob Barr and other independent candidates gives those that are on the fence about the two main candidates another option.