Tony Dungy Endorses Michele Tafoya in Minnesota's Aug. 11 Senate Primary

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 26

Tony Dungy formally backed Michele Tafoya in Minnesota's Republican Senate primary, calling the former NBC sideline reporter a "common sense conservative" ready to represent the state.
Dungy tied the endorsement to a 30-year relationship and more than a decade working with Tafoya on NBC's Sunday Night Football, saying her character, faith and focus on accountability set her apart.
His support could carry weight in Minnesota because the Hall of Fame coach played at the University of Minnesota and served as Vikings defensive coordinator from 1992 to 1995.
Tafoya faces a crowded Aug. 11 GOP primary field that includes Royce White, Adam Schwarze, Tom Weiler and Mark York, with the winner advancing to the Nov. 3 general election.
On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig are viewed as the leading contenders for the seat.

Will a football legend's endorsement help a famous sportscaster win a competitive Minnesota Senate seat?

Is name recognition from sports media the new key to winning a high-stakes political race?

How does a career covering athletes prepare a candidate for the complexities of the U.S. Senate?