Former Rep. Bob Barr abandons GOP

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Bob Barr, who once represented Georgia in Congress, has left the Republican Party to join the Libertarian Party, the Libertarian National Committee announced.
Barr, a leading player in the Republican move to impeach former President Bill Clinton, was immediately offered a leadership post in his new party, overseeing a region that includes Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama.
Announcing the switch, Barr called the Libertarian Party "the party of principle."
"Being a member of this body is a serious and long-term commitment that I gladly accept," he said. "As importantly, I'm happy to announce that I am now a proud, card-carrying Libertarian who is committed to helping elect leaders who will strive for smaller government, lower taxes and abundant individual freedom."
Barr served eight terms in the House of Representatives from 1995-2003.
He is a member of the board of the National Rifle Association, and serves as an adviser to the American Conservative Union and the American Civil Liberties Union.
Barr is president of the lobbying firm Liberty Strategies.