Widener starts campaign at WSU bar

Chris Widener launched what he dubbed “not your grandaddy’s campaign,” for the U.S. Senate in front of the graffiti-stained walls of The Coug, hallowed WSU watering hole Saturday.

The 43-year old Republican, who likes late-night television and orange vodka, said his experience as a speaker, self-help author and television host brings a unique voice to the senate race.

“I guarantee I’m going to be the hippest candidate in this race,” he told the Gazette.

Widener is one of now 12 GOP candidates who have announced intentions to challenge Democrat Patty Murray this fall.

He is running on a platfor...