The College Fix

Rupert Boneham, a popular three-time contestant on the CBS reality show “Survivor,” is considering a run for governor of Indiana. He announced the formation of an exploratory committee at a press conference yesterday. If he does run, it will be under the banner of the Libertarian Party.

Boneham’s “gentle giant” persona immediately endeared him to viewers when he first appeared on “Survivor” in 2003. He returned for the first “Survivor: All-Stars” installment, winning America’s vote (and a million dollars) in a surprise popularity contest held after the season concluded. The prize money helped him launch a non-profit organization–one that he feels has been negatively impacted by government regulation. According to his website:

I have spent my entire adult life serving my community and I see an opportunity to make a difference for Indiana. While surveying the current choices for our next Governor, I do not see anyone that has an understanding of what daily life is like for many Hoosiers nor anyone who appears to understand the harm that misguided government policies are doing to our communities. …

While I may be best known for my time spent on the television show Survivor, I feel my greatest achievement has been working with troubled youth through my non-profit charity, Rupert’s Kids. With Rupert’s Kids we have successfully taken youth with troubled pasts and given them a sense of purpose and self worth while opening a world of opportunity to them. By helping them become confident and productive members of society they learn the value of education and a strong work ethic.

I have operated my charity for over 20 years without government handouts. Over time, it has become more difficult to help people because of government red tape and roadblocks. This has prompted my decision to explore bringing back the principles of hard work and self-reliance to Hoosier government.

Though I am both a libertarian and a “Survivor” super fan (yes, I even applied to be on the show), this is the first I’ve heard of Boneham’s political leanings. According to one news story, yesterday’s conference didn’t shed much light on his specific views. But if we learn more, and Boneham turns out to be the real deal–a candidate who understands the role of government in a free society and wins Immunity Challenges–it will be exciting to have him in the race.

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