Libertarian sues to get spot on ballot

A third-party presidential candidate has filed a federal lawsuit to try and force his way on to Oklahoma's ballot in November.

Bob Barr, a former Republican congressman selected as Libertarian presidential candidate, contends state election laws are discriminatory because unrecognized political party candidates cannot file to run for president in Oklahoma.

Barr and vice presidential candidate Wayne A. Root are joined in their suit by eight registered Oklahoma voters who plan to abstain from voting because they cannot cast ballots for the Libertarian candidates.

Oklahoma was the only state in the country to have only two presidential candidates on the ballot in 2004, Barr said in a news release Monday.

He is the most popular "alternative candidate” running for president, according to his lawsuit, which cites a poll indicating he is favored by 9 percent of Oklahoma voters .

The suit filed Thursday in Oklahoma City federal court names the state Election Board and Secretary Michael Clingman as defendants.