In the May 25 balloting at the 2008 Libertarian National Convention in Denver , Gravel finished fourth out of eight candidates on the initial ballot , with 71 votes out of 618 ; he trailed former Congressman and eventual winner Bob Barr , author Mary Ruwart , and businessman Wayne Allyn Root . Gravel 's position did not improve subsequently and he was eliminated on the fourth ballot . Afterwards he said , " I just ended my political career . From 15 years old to now , my political career is over , and it 's no big deal . I 'm a writer , I 'm a lecturer , I 'm going to push the issues of freedom and liberty . I 'm going to push those issues until the day I die . " < ! -- Deleted image removed : Gravel had the endorsement of campaign finance reform activist Doris Haddock and received financial contributions from actor Mark Ruffalo
2008 Libertarian National Convention
2008 Libertarian National Convention
Mike Gravel 2008 presidential campaign