INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- A Libertarian candidate for governor of Indiana is running with a sense of confidence he says he gained as a three-time contestant on the TV show "Survivor."
Rupert Boneham said eating bugs and enduring harsh conditions on "Survivor" gave him a confidence and optimism that has underwritten all his pursuits since, the Indianapolis Star reported Sunday.
Boneham, 48, made tie-dyed T-shirts his trademark on the show in 2003 and won a $1 million prize as a fan favorite in 2004 but never took the top spot.
As a Libertarian he hopes to gain voters from a mix of Republican and Democratic policy mainstays. He wants to cut taxes and cap state spending, make it easier for small businesses to compete and supports same-sex marriage.
Boneham used his Survivor winnings to set up a non-profit mentoring program for troubled teens, Rupert's Kids. He got into real estate and other business ventures and was paid $10,000 a pop at speaking engagements.
He's only raised $63,500 for his campaign, but that's still more than any other Libertarian candidate in a statewide race in Indiana, said Chris Spangle, the party's executive director.
More importantly, Spangle said, is the message Boneham has brought to a greater number of voters.
Sometimes Libertarians "can sound cold and heartless," Spangle said. "But when Rupert talks about it, he presents it in a way that is easily understandable. It's personable."
