Ex-GOP Rep. Barr seeks Libertarian crown

DENVER, May 23 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr, R-Ga., a leader in the war on drugs, has switched sides to seek the presidency with the Libertarian Party, colleagues say.

Barr, who hopes to be nominated Sunday at the Libertarian convention in Denver, says, "Regarding the drug war, I've been there, done that, and know firsthand our current strategy is not working."

"Continuing to have the federal government run roughshod over the states, even if the citizens of a state decide they wish to legalize medicinal marijuana, for example, is wrong," he said.

The Libertarian Party platform calls for the repeal of drug laws and the pardoning of nonviolent drug offenders, The Washington Times said.

After leaving the Republican Party in 2006, Barr denounced the federal drug war and became a lobbyist for his former nemesis at the Marijuana Policy Project.

Among those expected to give the Sunday nominating speeches for Barr is Rob Kampia, the Marijuana Policy Project's executive director, who praised him for having the courage of his convictions, the Times said.