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.

[ Submit your comments below. ]

Rick McKay/Washington Bureau

Son Derek watches Bob Barr make his announcement Monday.

PREVIOUS STORY • Bob Barr's presidential bid taking shape ELECTION 2008 The Road to the White House • Georgia Voter Guide • Guide to 2008 election • Tell us: What do you think of Biden being on Obama ticket? • Photos: Obama, Biden campaign together • Photos: Biden career Latest Headlines: McCain scrappy, Obama calm as race nears end  Jesse Jackson dodges Obama questions  In McCain, Obama, 2 approaches to Wall St.  A debate night of discipline and muted contrasts  Rescue plan seeks $700B to buy bad mortgages  Tennessee legislator's son at center of Palin hacking speculation  Investigator: Palin probe to end before election  • Georgia politics page • Presidential campaign • Conventions coverage

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.

Barr, 59, quit the Republican Party two years ago, saying he had grown disillusioned with its failure to shrink government and its willingness to scale back civil liberties in fighting terrorism.

He currently runs a lobbying and public affairs firm with offices in Atlanta and outside Washington.

The 2004 Libertarian presidential candidate, Michael Badnarik, took less than 1 percent of the vote, placing fourth behind President Bush, Democrat John Kerry and Independent Ralph Nader.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.