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Bob Barr

American lawyer and politician; served as a Republican U.S. Representative from Georgia (1995–2003), later joined the Libertarian Party and was its 2008 presidential nominee.

Overview: Robert Laurence "Bob" Barr, Jr., born November 5 1948, is an American lawyer and politician who served in the United States House of Representatives and later as the 2008 presidential nominee of the Libertarian Party. He represented Georgia's 7th congressional district from 1995 to 2003 as a Republican.

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Barr trained and worked as a lawyer and federal prosecutor before entering elected office. His legal background informed his work in Congress and lent him experience on committees and in oversight activities. During his early career he developed a reputation for focusing on law enforcement and constitutional matters.

Congressional service and impeachment

As a member of Congress, Barr was prominent during the late 1990s for a leading role in the impeachment process involving President Bill Clinton. He was one of the more visible congressional figures associated with the impeachment proceedings and related investigations. His House tenure combined attention to crime policy, budget issues, and constitutional questions.

Party change and Libertarian nomination

After leaving the House, Barr's positions evolved on several issues, and he joined the Libertarian Party in 2006. He served for a period on the party's National Committee and in 2008 accepted the party's nomination for President of the United States. His candidacy emphasized limited government, individual liberty, and a critique of expansive federal powers.

Positions, legacy and public profile

Barr's career illustrates a significant political transition: from a mainstream conservative Republican congressman to a third‑party standard-bearer stressing civil liberties and smaller federal government. In later years he spoke out about post‑9/11 policies and surveillance, reflecting a reoriented emphasis on privacy and constitutional protections.

Notable facts

  • Served four terms in the U.S. House representing suburban Georgia (1995–2003).
  • Former federal prosecutor with a legal background that shaped his legislative work.
  • Joined the Libertarian Party in the mid‑2000s and ran for president in 2008.
  • Associated historically with the impeachment of President Bill Clinton and later critiques of government surveillance.

For readers seeking more details on specific votes, speeches, or later professional activities, consult dedicated biographical and archival sources that track his public service and post‑congressional career. Additional reference material is available through party records and congressional histories (House record, party archives).

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AlegsaOnline.com Bob Barr

URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/115373

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Sources
  • gabar.org : "Mr. Robert Laurence Barr Jr"
  • lp.org : "Libertarian Party selects Bob Barr as 2008 presidential nominee"
  • bioguide.congress.gov : "BARR, Bob - Biographical Information"
  • bobbarr2008.com : "Meet Bob"
  • cbsnews.com : "Ex-Rep. Barr Quits GOP for Libertarians"
  • lp.org : "Former Congressman Bob Barr Accepts Leadership Position within the Libertarian Party"