Palin's pick in U.S. Senate race

Clint Didier, former Eastern Washington farmboy and NFL player turned U.S. Senate candidate, got an unexpected boost from — wait for it — Sarah Palin on Thursday.

“Go to www.ClintDidier.org to be inspired by patriot running for U.S.Senate to serve his state & our country for all the right reasons!” Palin tweeted.

It make sense that Didier’s all-American life story would appeal to former hockey mom/ Alaska governor/vice presidential candidate Palin, now a right wing media star and best-selling author.

Didier returned to the family farm after his pro football career with the Washington Redskins and Green Bay Packers. He now coaches his former high school football team and harvests three crops of alfalfa each year.

A self-described member of the tea party movement, he’s raised the most of any of the dozen or so Republican candidates vying to face U.S. Sen. Patty Murray in the Aug. 17 primary.

Chuck Beck, Didier’s campaign spokesman, said he knew Didier would be pleased to hear that Palin is in his camp.

Kathie Durbin