BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer Jim Kelly tweeted out support for congressional candidate Beth Parlato on Saturday night, sparking a political debate in the tweet replies over the former quarterback's conservative views.
"President @realdonaldtrump my wife, Jill and I are supporting @BethforCongress for our district #NY27 Our daughters grew up together; we know her and trust her to stand for what matters most. She’s a strong conservative/republican we believe can win special elec 4/28," Kelly tweeted out.
Jim's wife Kelly also tweeted, less than an hour after her husband, regarding the backlash the endorsement was receiving.
The responses and backlash varied and have continued into Sunday.
"Hi @JimKelly1212, I am a resident of #ny27 and a public school teacher. Can you please explain how @BethforCongress believes my colleagues and I are indoctrinating children? Because all of the public school teachers I know work endlessly hard and don't deserve this. Do better," tweeted @bbraveandbkind.
"Jim: As a life long Bills fan, this breaks my heart. You’ve been my hero and inspiration. But supporting tRump? I’m out. Take care," added @kevlar111.
"Not a good look Jim. Stick to football," said @RoederBob.
Parlato is running against fellow Republicans Christopher Jacobs, Robert Ortt, Frank Smierciak II, as well as Democrat Nate McMurray in the special election.
Parlato is a Western New York family attorney, Fox News Contributor and former Darien Town Justice. She has also been associated with conservative organizations such as Concerned Women for America, an evangelical organization that often counters feminist ideology.