VANITY FAIR Books
Former Libertarian Party Presidential Candidate Bob Barr Sued by His Own Ghostwriter
by Juli Weiner May 7, 2010, 5:15 PM
Bob Barr is in such trouble with his own ghostwriter, whom he has neglected to pay for two years. The book in question is called Lessons in Liberty—not to be confused with the actual children’s book Lessons on Liberty—so naturally, it is the perfect segue to some comical “lessons” the ghostwriter is now imparting to Barr on his Web site. Lesson No. 1? “Pay your ghostwriter”—an obvious choice, frankly. According to The Washington Post’s Dave Weigel, who’s quoting the relevant legal documents: “Plaintiff Jim Bovard demands judgment as to breach of contract against Defendant for the sum of $47,000.00, plus pre- and post-judgement [sic] interest, and such other and further relief as to the Court seems just and proper.”
Barr’s 2008 campaign manager has admitted the malfeasance. He told Weigel: “We owe [Bovard] some money and we intend to pay it. If he’s sending out press releases about it, he could add a donation button. We could use it. If there are libertarians who want to make sure Jim gets paid, they can donate to us.” The Restoration of Bob Barr’s Ghostwriter: donate today!
It quite an unpleasant surprise to learn that Bovard would 1) be a party to an unethical ghostwriting sham, and 2) do it on behalf of Barr.