Man begins Libertarian Party bid for president

WASHINGTON—Former Republican Rep. Bob Barr began a Libertarian Party presidential bid yesterday, saying that voters are hungry for an alternative to the status quo who would dramatically cut the federal government.

His candidacy throws a wild card into the White House race that could peel away votes from Republican Sen. John McCain, given the candidates’ similar positions on fiscal policy.

Barr, who has hired Ross Perot’s former campaign manager, acknowledged that some Republicans tried to discourage him from running. But he said he is getting in the race to win, not to play spoiler or to make a point.