Former U.S. congressman launches bid for presidency

WASHINGTON, May 12 (Xinhua) -- A former U.S Republican congressman announced on Monday his bid for presidency as a candidate of the Libertarian Party.

Bob Barr said at a news conference that he is running for the White House because voters want a choice beyond the two political parties.

"They believe that America has more and better to offer than what the current political situation is serving up to us," he told reporters. "We believe in America that is not and should not be and should never be driven by fear as current policies on behalf of both parties are in this country."

Due to his experience as the congressman representing Georgia's7th congressional district from 1995 to 2003, Barr has been considered the forerunner by the Libertarian Party officials but he has to win the nomination at the party's national convention starting May 22 before he can contend in the November general elections.

The 59 year-old former congressman was known for his leadership in the efforts to impeach former President Bill Clinton. He quit the Republican Party in 2006, citing the party's failure to shrink the government and uphold civil liberties in the anti-terrorism era.

Political analysts said that Barr's participation in the fierce competition would be likely to jeopardize presumptive Republican presidential candidate John McCain's chance to beat his Democratic rival.

CNN political commentator Bill Schneider said that since Barr is a conservative who is critical of the Iraq war, he is capable to attract some of Republican conservatives and war protestors.

The Democratic party also faces the challenge in the national elections from the third party after Ralph Nader, a U.S. consumer rights advocate, announced in February his fourth straight bid for presidency as an independent.

He was criticized by some Democrats in 2000 for allegedly pulling away support from Democrat Al Gore and helping George W. Bush win the White House.