They have deep pockets and aren't afraid to dig into them.

Seemingly out of nowhere, a trio of wealthy political neophytes has roiled Republican Senate primary races taking place this month, 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 just a few weeks ago.

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

Brunner and Hovde have started to draw criticism from national Democrats, reinforcing their rise as serious contenders.

Throw in Connecticut, where one-time World Wrestling Federation CEO Linda McMahon is likely to win the party's nomination for a second time, and four Republican self-funders are capable of advancing to November's general election.

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