Rumors swirled a few weeks ago around the possibility that American Idol season 2 runner up,Clay Aiken, would enter North Carolina’s 2nd district congressional race as a Democrat.
Now the rumor drumbeat is becoming louder as local Raleigh TV station, WRAL, reports that Clay is indeed prepping a bid for the seat currently held by a Republican.
Sources said Aiken has talked to Democratic consultants Betsy Conti, Nation Hahn and Gary Pearce about possibly helping with a run for Congress. He also has spoken with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, sources said.
Former state Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco and Durham attorney Houston Barnes have already announced plans to seek the Democratic nomination in the 2nd District, which is now held by Republican Congresswoman Renee Ellmers.
The road to the Democratic primary may not be an easy one for Clay. Washington based blog, Roll Call, quotes sources that claim Democratic operatives worry that a bid from a reality show contestant could interfere with the efforts of more viable candidates.
Democratic sources said Crisco, a 70-year-old businessman and former Asheboro city councilman who launched his campaign earlier this month, offers the kind of candidate profile that would give the party a shot there — and that an Aiken candidacy could hinder Crisco’s chances.
“It’s a tough seat to begin with, and [Aiken] would have problems getting someone to take him seriously,” one neutral North Carolina Democrat said of Aiken’s candidacy.
According to WRAL, Clay is expected to make an official announcement next month.
