Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate Bruce Guthrie plans to put his $1.2 million life savings into his campaign for the seat held by Democrat Maria Cantwell.
The money could end up taking a couple of percentage points away from Cantwell and Republican challenger Mike McGavick, who were likely to finish within a few points of each other. Guthrie's campaign previously raised just $31,000, compared to $16.8 million by Cantwell and $7.7 million by McGavick.
Guthrie's issues appeal to liberal and conservative voters. He wants U.S. troops out of Iraq, criticizes the Patriot Act, and supports same-sex marriage. He also wants to eliminate the federal deficit and strengthen election rules.