Is Bob Barr A Spoiler?

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Chris Kromm over at Facing South thinks he might be. After looking at polling data in North Carolina, Kromm realized that that when the Libertarian candidate is included in polls, John McCain’s double-digit lead in the state narrows to just six percent or even a dead heat with Obama, depending on the poll. Kromm thinks the Barr factor might explain why both candidates are now pouring money into a state not previously thought to be a close battleground. He writes:

“the fact that the Tarheel State is turning into a fierce battleground, with both sides investing precious time, energy and resources, is historic alone. And the result might be closer than any of us thought.”

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A full one-third of our annual fundraising comes in this month alone. That’s risky, because a strong December means our newsroom is on the beat and reporting at full strength—but a weak one means budget cuts and hard choices ahead.

With just 3 days left, we need a huge surge in reader support to get to our $400,000 year-end goal. Whether you've given before or this is your first time, your contribution right now matters. All gifts are 3X matched and tax-deductible.

Managing an independent, nonprofit newsroom is staggeringly hard. There’s no cushion in our budget—no backup revenue, no corporate safety net. We can’t afford to fall short, and we can’t rely on corporations or deep-pocketed interests to fund the fierce, investigative journalism Mother Jones exists to do. That’s why we need you right now. Please chip in to help close the gap.

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