Didier, a former tight end for the National Football League's Washington Redskins, had never run for elected office and was endorsed by Tea Party favorites Ron Paul and Sarah Palin. Didier might have been able to win the GOP nomination from Rossi in a closed primary that rewards candidates for appealing to the hardline of their base, but the more moderate Rossi was easily able to defeat Didier in the Top Two primary. While one might expect more Democrats in the Top Two primary to vote tactically for Didier, the Republican candidate who was doing much worse in polls against Murray, most Democrats seemed content voting for Murray.
Didier's candidacy was hindered by his lack of political experience and endorsements from Tea Party figures like Ron Paul and Sarah Palin. He faced a more moderate Republican candidate in the Top Two primary who appealed to a broader base. Despite some Democratic voters potentially voting strategically for Didier, most Democrats ultimately supported Murray.