HomelandSecurityLeader.com

For Americans who may have been hungry for a credentialed conservative candidate in the 2008 Presidential contest, the wait is over.

Bob Barr today announced his candidacy for the presidency. Barr will run as a Libertarian and have to secure the their party’s nomination at a convention in Denver in two weeks.

In discussing the 2008 race earlier this year, GOP insider Andy Card said the early primaries and potential candidate overexposure in the media may have voters looking for options by summer.

“This year will present the perfect storm for an independent candidate,” Card advised.

Barr clearly hopes to take advantage of exactly that kind of opportunity. And, as a former CIA officer, a Reagan appointed U.S. Attorney and a Congressman who was known for hardcore conservative principles, Barr is a long way from the pro-pot fringe some may associate with the early days of the Libertarian Party.

Any honest assessment of his voting record in Congress will make both Obama and McCain look like liberals and his long time leadership on Second Amendment issues is not likely to be forgotten by the legions of N.R.A. loyalists. Finally, Barr’s pro-life credentials are certainly equal to John McCain’s, if not stronger.

As a campaigner, Barr is a thick skinned and seasoned professional. Having run severally hotly contested races in Georgia, his former opponents have come to understand that there are simply no skeletons or scandals to be found in Bob’s long history of public service.

On the major issues, Barr said he would look for a way to begin bringing troops home from Iraq and would evaluate other ways to reduce the military’s footprint abroad. He also said he doesn’t want to see America ushered into a war with Iran. On illegal immigration, he said that major reforms are needed because, “The United States of America is not a charity.”

In announcing his candidacy, Barr said that as President, he would focus on reducing the size of government, supporting original intent of the Constitution and restoring checks and balances between the three branches of government.

One thing is for sure, this race has just gotten a lot more interesting.