"Survivor" fan favorite mulls run for governor

Former "Survivor" contestant Rupert Boneham, shown in this May 19, 2010

/ AP Photo

INDIANAPOLIS (CBS/AP) One of the most beloved "Survivor" contestant of all tme is considering a run for the Indiana governorship.

Rupert Boneham, who competed in three different "Survivor" seasons including "Survivor: All Stars," has formed an exploratory committee to possibly seek the Libertarian Party's nomination for governor of Indiana

Pictures: "Survivor: Pearl Islands"
Pictures: "Survivor: All Stars"
Pictures: "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains"

A mentor for troubled teens, Boneham said on his campaign website that the current field of candidates doesn't understand the problems average Hoosiers face. He cited his extensive charity work on behalf of troubled teenagers as his chief qualities.

The bushy-bearded Boneham, known for wearing tie-dyed shirts, competed in 2003 on "Survivor: Pearl Island'' and has been on the All-Star and Heroes vs. Villains games as well.

And he's a proven vote getter: After the All-Star game, he was voted fan favorite and awarded a $1 million prize. In a nationwide popular vote, he received 85 percent of the votes cast. He used some of the prize money to establish Rupert's Kids, a foundation for at-risk teens

If he runs, Boneham will join a field dominated by Republican Congressman Mike Pence and former Democratic Indiana House Speaker John Gregg.

Gov. Mitch Daniels can't run for re-election next year because of term limits.

[ludvig1-2009]

I like Rupert, but if he wants the government to help people like I think he does, the Libertarian party is one whose belief is no government at all. Maybe he should just run as an Independent. I'd think he'd have a real chance of winning as an Independent candidate.

[konr22]

go get 'em rupert. Then raise the taxes to a level of sustainability.

[Montana5]

He'd be a great choice if Hoosiers ever need advice on making fire, building shelters, catching fish and winning immunity challenges. But what the hell, let's give him a shot...at least he's likable, honest and above all, not a professional politician.

[hillbillyvol]

You go Rupert.

[makemyday2day]

By all means, PLEASE run, Rupert! My family and I (all voting age) would definitely support and vote for you! The other choices we have thus far (Pence and Gregg) - NO THANKS! I can't think of a better choice for governor - especially after Mitch Daniels. This is GOOD news!