Washington — Former Republican Congressman Bob Barr of Georgia, dismissing the major party candidates for failing to offer dramatic change, announced Monday he is seeking the Libertarian Party nomination for president.

Voters "want a choice," Barr told a gathering of about 40 journalists and supporters in a small room at the National Press Club.

"They believe that America has more and better to offer than what the current political situation is serving up to us," Barr said.

He said the federal government has "run amok fiscally," the presidency has grown too powerful, and individual freedoms have "fallen into disrepute."

Barr, an outspoken opponent of the Iraq war, said that as president he would begin bringing the troops home from that country and elsewhere around the globe.

He insisted he will not be a "spoiler" but said Republicans have urged him not to run out of concern that he will draw votes from Sen. John McCain, the presumed GOP nominee.

Barr said he is "confident" he can win the Libertarian nomination when the party holds its convention over Memorial Day weekend in Denver.