Can reality show popularity translate into success at the polls? Rupert Boneham hopes so.
The former Survivor star, who won $1 million in 2004 when he was voted that show's fan favorite, announced this weekend that he's running for governor of Indiana under the Libertarian Party.
Arguing that he's "not beholden to any special interests," Boneham said at a news conference yesterday that he's the right man to replace Mitch Daniels in office.
"I have only one interest: Empowering Hoosiers to give back to their communities. If the government puts up roadblocks, then they should be repealed," Rupert said. "Hoosiers have consistently voted in professional politicians and look at the results. Hoosiers should have a different choice in 2012."
The aspiring politician runs Rupert's Kids, a charity that provides mentoring and job-training to at-risk youths. But the real question remains: what will the tribe of Indiana residents decide when it speaks next November?