Those stout believers in individual freedom, the Libertarians, will convene in Kansas City this weekend for a presidential debate and five-state conference.

Among the party’s presidential candidates is Mike Gravel, the former U.S. senator from Alaska who until recently was a Democratic presidential candidate.

Gravel will be making his first debate appearance as a Libertarian at the 10 a.m. Saturday debate.

The convention — for Libertarians in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Iowa — will be at the Intrigue Park Place Hotel, 1601 N. Universal Ave. near Interstate 435 and Front Street.

Scheduled to give the keynote address at 2:50 p.m. Saturday is former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr, a Republican who is perhaps best-known for his role in the House’s impeachment of President Clinton.

“The Libertarian Party offers real answers,” said event coordinator Mike Ferguson. “The fact that prominent members of both parties are coming to the (party) is encouraging not just for the party, but for all voters who are tired of politics without principles.”

Also scheduled to speak is Libertarian Party national chair Bill Redpath at 1:50 p.m. Saturday.The convention schedule is at www.lpmo.org/heartland2008.