Clay Aiken, American Idol’s runner-up in 2003, is considering a run for Congress in North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district. The 35-year-old has taken some of the first steps toward officially throwing his hat into the ring. In addition to having a conversation with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, he has also spoken with Betsy Conti. She is a political strategist known for her work with both former Gov. Bev Purdue, D-N.C., and former Vice President Al Gore.
A source also claims Aiken met with pollsters at Hart Research Associates in Washington, D.C. This means survey data has likely been explored.
So if Clay Aiken really does run for Congress, who will his strongest opponents be? Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C. was voted into office in 2010 by way of the Tea Party will run for re-election. And a fellow Democrat, former North Carolina Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco, is expected to announce his candidacy in the race as early as Monday. This means Aiken has some pretty stiff competition as a newcomer to politics.
Aiken has, at the very least, had some experience as an activist. He is the co-founder of the National Inclusion Project, which works to help disabled children. He also made an appearance at a Capitol Hill briefing in 2010, where he implored lawmakers to pass anti-bullying legislation that protects LGBT students.
Clay recently voiced his opinion of Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson and his homophobic rant.
Clay Aiken no doubt has the best of intentions in his consideration of a Congressional run, but does he have what it takes to get elected? That, of course, remains to be seen.
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