Clint Didier, a “tea party” candidate who lost in Washington state’s GOP primary for Senate, said Friday he is withholding his endorsement for winner Dino Rossi until he receives Mr. Rossi’s assurance that he will support three issues important to voters.
Mr. Didier, a farmer and former Washington Redskins tight end, said Mr. Rossi must take a clear stance against abortion, commit to no tax increases and vow to vote against federal spending.
The establishment-backed Mr. Rossi now faces three-term incumbent Democrat Patty Murray in a November election that could hinge on who absorbs the 12 percent of the vote Mr. Didier received in the Tuesday primary. Mr. Rossi and Mrs. Murray advanced with 34 percent and 46 percent, respectively.
“I want to endorse Dino. I want to beat Patty Murray. I really want that,” the Sarah Palin-backed Mr. Didier said at a news conference. “But I also know that a lot of my supporters aren’t going to automatically vote for Dino.”
Mr. Didier also said he would change his mind and start campaigning for Mr. Rossi “by the end of day” if he makes those commitments.
• Joseph Weber can be reached at jweber@washingtontimes.com.old.
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