The American Spectator

DENVER — My former Washington Times colleague Valerie Richardson scooped me on this story:

The Libertarian National Convention kicked off yesterday with a tea-and-cookies reception hosted by the Marijuana Policy Project featuring none other than Mr. Barr, the party’s leading candidate for its presidential nomination… .

Among those expected to give the Sunday nominating speeches for Mr. Barr at the convention is Rob Kampia, the Marijuana Policy Project’s executive director, who praised the candidate for having the courage of his convictions.

“It’s very rare to find someone who’s willing to change their position and then be so public about it,” Mr. Kampia said. “He’s definitely increased the credibility of the Marijuana Policy Project. People have to take us seriously when we walk through the door with Bob Barr.”

You know what kills me about being scooped on this? I was sitting at the next table at Timberlakes in DC on Tuesday when Barr had dinner with the MPP guys and it didn’t occur to me to think that something newsworthy might be happening. Having hard-core “freeweeders” to vouch for him will be very helpful to Barr in terms of getting Libertarian support for his presidential bid. Ending the drug war is a big issue with LP people.

The refreshments tonight at Barr’s delegate reception, I assume, will be traditional, legal and free.

BTW, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a story about the vanload of Georgia Libertarians with whom I rode to Denver.