Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: 1999 Buick Regal starting problems, buick regal, windows radio

Question
About two months ago, out of the blue, my regal didn't start.  When I went to turn the key over it didn't engage.  There was power everywhere; lights, windows, radio, dash, etc.  So, I figured it wasn't the battery.  My initial thought was the starter, but there was no traditional starter "clicking."  After about five to ten minutes of repeatedly trying the key over and over, it finally fired up.  It was fine for about two weeks, then it happened again.  Same exact thing.  After about 5-10 minutes it started up fine.  This has happened about 8 or 10 times in the last two months.  

During this time, I also noticed that the "Security" light has been coming on and going off intermittently while driving and I was wondering if it's an electrical/alarm issue?  

Also, I have heard that sometimes the key code, on the actual key, wears away.  I looked at mine and saw that it was worn and began using my spare.  I thought I had cured the problem until it happened again yesterday.

I hate to replace the starter for a few hundred dollars to find out it's a loose wire somewhere.  

This probably has nothing to do with it, but the last two times it didn't start I opened the hood, rustled some wires, closed the hood and it started...probably 100% coincidental.  I have also tried leaving the key in the on position, shifting to neutral, messing with the locks, etc., but nothing seems to work definitively.  Now, I'm thinking that I have no choice but to start with replacing the starter before I'm stranded somewhere.

One additional note, I have had some electrical issues before.  My cruise control stuck while on the highway, and was stuck on accelerate....very scary.  I finally put it in neutral, coasted to a stop during red lining, shut it off and disconnected it under the hood.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Answer
Hello Peter,
I actually don't think the starter is the problem.
Passkey possibly, or more likely the ignition switch or loose wire.

I have never heard of one of those cruise controls sticking in the accelerate position. I can't even immagine the brake not releasing it, so yes...I'm sure it was scary.
I assume you hit the brakes.

Van