Some candidates are trying to capitalize on voter disgust with the two-party system. Kevin Zeese, an anti-war activist who has led an effort against Maryland's electronic voting machines, is running for U.S. Senate this year as a "fusion" candidate, seeking the nominations of the Green, Libertarian and Populist parties.

He says he is addressing issues that major party candidates won't, such as challenging U.S. policy in Israel and calling for a tax-reform plan that would exempt an individual's first $100,000 in income from taxation. To replace the revenue, he would impose an 0.1 percent "microtax" on the purchase of stocks, bonds, derivatives and currency, which he says would raise $1.2 trillion yearly.

Zeese acknowledges that many independent voters are turned off by politics entirely. "But others are looking for a leader," he said.

"Partisanship has gotten really ugly in Maryland," he said. "There is a divide between the leadership of the two parties and the voters of the two parties. There is an opportunity here if the right candidate comes along."