View 2 more
FILE - In this Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012 file photo, Senate candidate John Brunner speaks to the other candidates during a forum at a Republican conference in Kansas City, Mo. Brunner, the former CEO and chairman of health and beauty care giant Vi-Jon Inc., Orlin Wagner, File, Associated Press
View 2 more
FILE - In this March 8, 2012 photo, Republican hedge fund manager Eric Hovde of Madison announces his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, in Dane, Wisc. Seemingly out of nowhere, a trio of wealthy political neophytes has roiled Republican Senate primary races Scott Bauer, Associated Press
View 2 more
FILE - In this Nov. 15, 2011 file photo, Mesa, Ariz. businessman Wil Cardon, center, flanked by two of his five children, Rebecca Cardon, 11, right, and Parley Cardon, 10, begins his U.S. Senate statewide campaign in Phoenix. Seemingly out of nowhere, a t Ross D. Franklin, File, Associated Press
By Associated Press

WASHINGTON — A trio of wealthy political neophytes has roiled Republican Senate primary races taking place this month.

They are dipping into their personal fortunes to highlight their business backgrounds, cast their opponents as career politicians and draw within striking distance of a victory few saw coming.

In Arizona, real estate mogul Wil Cardon is still viewed as having work to do if he's going to catch the prohibitive favorite in the race — six-term Rep. Jeff Flake.

But in Wisconsin, banking executive Eric Hovde is gaining quickly against a former governor and a former congressman.

View Comments

In Missouri, the former CEO and chairman of health and beauty care giant Vi-Jon Inc., John Brunner, has forced his way into a three-way battle featuring a congressman and a former state treasurer.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.