Weigel at LP Convention

Here's a link to Reason's Hit&Run blog, where Dave Weigel is posting from the Libertarian Party convention in Denver. This is the most interesting LP event in years, for a couple of reasons. Former Republican Rep. Bob Barr (GA) and Democratic Sen. Mike Gravel (AK) have declared that they're libertarians now and are running for the presidential nomination, in a year in which a considerable LP vote in a few key states might -- just might -- swing the election one way or another, most likely against McCain. In addition to the new converts, LP veterans like Wayne Allyn Root, Mary Ruwart, and Steve Kubby are also in the presidential race.

I don't have a horse in this race, though Steve Kubby is an old friend and Mary Ruwart a long-time acquaintance. I met George Phillies in New Hampshire. As Dave Weigel notes, Bob Barr has to convince LPers that he has come over convincingly, from a conservative record, on issues like the drug war, gay marriage, and Mike Gravel that he isn't still for socialized health care.

So far I don't have a sense of how it's likely to turn out.