ATLANTA (AP) - Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr argued on Tuesday in Atlanta that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg defamed a Georgia sporting goods store.

Barr argued in a federal appeals court that Bloomberg defamed
the store when he labeled it one of several ``rogue gun dealers''
putting firearms on his city's streets.

Barr is pursuing a $400 million libel lawsuit against Bloomberg and New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

Barr is taking a break from the campaign trail to argue the case
himself. He claims New York officials damaged the reputation of
Adventure Outdoor Sports in Smyrna when they suggested the shop
violated federal gun laws.

The hearing at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is the
latest salvo in a two-year legal battle that began when Bloomberg
sued 15 firearms brokers in five states, including Georgia.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)