Former sportscaster Ventrella to run for Congress

SEATTLE (AP) — Former Seattle sportscaster Tony Ventrella has announced a bid for Congress in the 8th Congressional District, challenging Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert.

Ventrella, a Democrat, will focus his campaign on fighting big money in politics. He says he won't take money from political-action committees (PACs) or ask rich people for big checks.

He also supports overturning the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court ruling known as Citizens United that allows more spending in politics.

"Everybody says there is too much money in politics but so far there hasn't been much done about it," Ventrella said. "This year, I think people are ready."

Reichert, Ventrella's opponent, was first elected to Congress in 2004 and was formerly the King County sheriff. He considered running against Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee this year but decided against it.

According to the Federal Election Commission, Reichert's campaign has raised nearly $750,000. More than half of it has come from PACs.

"It is our democratic process that makes our country a model for the rest of the world," Reichert said in a statement. "I look forward to discussing the issues important to the 8th District — national security, tax reform, increased trade in the global market, growing small businesses, providing assistance to our veterans and protecting our most vulnerable, seniors and children."

Ventrella, 71, spent decades on local Seattle television as a sports anchor and has worked for other television and radio stations in the city. Lately he's been a digital-media host for the Seattle Seahawks but left the job this year to prepare for the congressional race. The ex-sportscaster lives in Newcastle and caucused for Hillary Clinton. He describes himself as a moderate democrat.

Copyright The Associated Press

Cox Media Group