Bob Barr helps Barack Obama

By Jennifer J. Foster

Published: May 22, 2008

RealClearPolitics.com brings us this interesting news: A new poll in Georgia shows that by running as a Libertarian candidate, former four-term Republican congressman Bob Barr could put the Peach State in play for Barack Obama.

President Bush carried Georgia in 2000 and 2004, and never with less than 55 percent of the vote. In addition, RCP says, “the state has voted Republican in five of the last six (presidential elections).“

GOP nominee-to-be John McCain leads with 45 percent and is closely pursued by Obama, who notches 35 percent support. Barr registers 8 percent, and twelve percent are undecided, according to RCP.

It’s unclear whether Barr will be able to parlay Ron Paul support into votes for himself. But you can bet that conservatives will be grumbling about this—either because they simply don’t appreciate Barr’s involvement, or because having McCain as the GOP nominee seems to have made it inevitable that he face a challenge from the right.