Bradley in DC
05-26-2008, 03:56 PM
http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0508/Barr_gets_Libertarian_nod_but_where_is_Paul.html
Barr gets Libertarian nod, but where is Paul?
After six rounds of balloting at their convention in Denver.
The key take-away as it relates to his impact this November:
Barr said he expects the party to be on the ballot in at least 48 states and perhaps all 50 if the party can qualify in West Virginia and Oklahoma. Barr said he also expects to be invited to the national political debates by qualifying with poll support of 15 percent or more of registered voters.
I'm skeptical about the latter, but his presence on the ballot could certainly have an impact if he's able to get enough earned media to get his message out. Key to Barr's campaign, though, is another Libertarian: Ron Paul.
Paul's cult-hero status has not diminished and his youthful followers -- many of them energized out of opposition to the war and apathetic about the Texas congressman's other, non-cannabis-related Libertarian views -- won't abandon their guy for an unknown.
And in my conversation with Paul last month, he showed little enthusiasm for Barr.
Without Paul's passionate legions, Barr would have a difficult time attracting grass-roots and financial support.
In other words, if Paul stays on the sidelines and does not get behind Barr, the Libertarian nominee could be as much of a non-factor this year as in every other recent presidential cycle.
By Jonathan Martin 12:29 PM
Barr gets Libertarian nod, but where is Paul?
After six rounds of balloting at their convention in Denver.
The key take-away as it relates to his impact this November:
Barr said he expects the party to be on the ballot in at least 48 states and perhaps all 50 if the party can qualify in West Virginia and Oklahoma. Barr said he also expects to be invited to the national political debates by qualifying with poll support of 15 percent or more of registered voters.
I'm skeptical about the latter, but his presence on the ballot could certainly have an impact if he's able to get enough earned media to get his message out. Key to Barr's campaign, though, is another Libertarian: Ron Paul.
Paul's cult-hero status has not diminished and his youthful followers -- many of them energized out of opposition to the war and apathetic about the Texas congressman's other, non-cannabis-related Libertarian views -- won't abandon their guy for an unknown.
And in my conversation with Paul last month, he showed little enthusiasm for Barr.
Without Paul's passionate legions, Barr would have a difficult time attracting grass-roots and financial support.
In other words, if Paul stays on the sidelines and does not get behind Barr, the Libertarian nominee could be as much of a non-factor this year as in every other recent presidential cycle.
By Jonathan Martin 12:29 PM