By Jack Izzard
BBC News, Washington
A former Republican congressman, Bob Barr, has announced he hopes to run for president of the United States - for the Libertarian Party.
"I've heard from Americans from all walks of life...
they want a choice," said Mr Barr, announcing his candidacy.
The Libertarian Party, a small and socially conservative group with limited support, will choose its presidential runner later this month.
But America's political system is dominated by the two major parties.
Third-party candidates always run the risk of being little more than a sideshow.
Mr Barr wants to change that.
He hopes many voters will be drawn to his plan to slash government spending, withdraw from Iraq and halt immigration.
"They believe that America has more and better to offer than what the current political situation is serving up to us," he said.
Threat to McCain?
Mr Barr is the clear favourite to win the Libertarian nomination.
Winning the White House is quite another matter - he would need a miracle for that.
But he may prove a major thorn in the side for the Republican candidate John McCain.
Right-wing voters may be tempted to switch to Mr Barr - which would cost the Republicans very dear.
(BBC)
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