Aug 11 (Reuters) - Minnesota Democrats chose ‌the state's ‌Lieutenant Governor Peggy ​Flanagan as their nominee to the U.S. ‌Senate ⁠on Tuesday, according to U.S. ⁠media projections. Flanagan, a ​progressive, will ​face ​off against ‌Republican nominee and sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya in the November ‌general election, ​for ​the ​seat ‌left open by ​the ​retirement of Democratic senator ​Tina ‌Smith. (Editing by Michael ​Learmonth and Kate ​Mayberry)