Former Sportscaster Tony 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.

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

Ventrella, 71, spent decades on KING-TV 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.

Reichert was first elected to Congress in 2004 and was formerly the King County sheriff.