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, a former NFL player who had never run for office, was endorsed by Tea Party figures Ron Paul and Sarah Palin. Didier might have won the GOP nomination from Rossi in a closed primary that favors candidates appealing to their base's hardline stance, but the more moderate Rossi easily defeated Didier in the Top Two primary. While one might anticipate more Democrats in the Top Two primary to vote strategically for Didier, the Republican candidate who was trailing in polls against Murray, most Democrats seemed content voting for Murray.