Bob Barr Runs for 11th District House Seat

Jim Burress / WABE News

Former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr said Thursday he wants to return to Capitol Hill.

The Republican turned Libertarian Presidential candidate turned Republican again is running to replace Phil Gingrey, who on Wednesday announced he’ll seek the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Saxby Chambliss.  

Barr, who’s a staunch gun rights advocate and has served on the board of the National Rifle Association, made the announcement at Adventure Outdoors in Smyrna.

“I am announcing to serve the people of the United State of America as the Representative for the 11th District of Georgia,” Barr said to a crowd of about 100 supporters. 

The 11th District includes parts of Cobb and Fulton, as well as all of Cherokee and Bartow. 

Barr previously served eight years as Georgia’s 7th District Congressman.  In 2002, he lost the seat to fellow Republican John Linder.

During Barr’s tenure, he led efforts to impeach President Bill Clinton.  He also wrote and sponsored the Defense of Marriage Act, although he’s since called for its repeal

Barr wants to fight what he calls the Obama Administration’s “out of control” spending, as well as  attacks on states’ rights.

Jay Wallace, owner of Adventure Outdoors, will serve as Barr’s Finance Chairman.