It has been six days since The Washington Blade published the rumor that Clay Aiken is actively considering a bid to represent North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House. It has been six days of press, pictures and excitement.
Today, there were some interesting articles about Clay and the election.
Washington Blade – Could Aiken pull off a congressional surprise?
The possibility of a Clay Aiken candidacy for Congress has generated significant buzz as political observers say the gay singer and “American Idol” runner-up has plenty to offer, although big questions remain about whether he could pull off a win…
…Ian Palmquist, former chief of Equality North Carolina, said he thinks the general election in a district largely comprised of the Raleigh suburbs, will be tough for any Democrat, but not impossible for Aiken.
“Clay Aiken has some real strengths: He’s from the district, he’s a former teacher, he’s well-liked, and saying he has name recognition is an understatement,” Palmquist said. ”To be a strong candidate he would have to show voters a more policy-oriented side than they know him for now and earn the support of key primary constituencies, including African Americans.”…
…In 2010, the singer appeared at a briefing on Capitol Hill on behalf of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, or GLSEN, to urge passage of anti-bullying legislation with LGBT protections known as the Student Non-Discrimination Act and the Safe Schools Improvement Act.
Daryl Presgraves, a GLSEN spokesperson, said GLSEN started working with Aiken four years ago, and in addition to wanting to use his platform to protect LGBT youth, he showed a specific interest in policy.
“After he gave a powerful and moving speech at a congressional briefing we held in 2010 in support of the Safe Schools Improvement Act and Student Non-Discrimination Act, it wouldn’t have surprised any of us at GLSEN if you told us that he would consider running for office one day,” Presgraves said. “He has a clear passion for helping others and recognizes the power to do so through policy.”…
Chris Johnson is the same reporter that wrote the first article about Clay last week. It is nice to read an article that is well-researched and well-written.
Semone Says – Blogazine – Crazy, Sexy, Cool, Other
Clay Aiken is Cool
Clay Aiken for North Carolina Congressman? Sure why not. Openly gay and democrat I’m not sure what Clay’s chances are in such deep red state but I would love to see him in congress. I think things have gotten so bad with National and local politics that people from all walks of life who wouldn’t normally consider going into politics are choosing to go into it to make some real change, and I don’t blame them. Somebody’s gotta do it right, and it’d be nice if it were sincere, good people with good intentions and a strong work ethic. Clay doesn’t seem to be lacking in any of those things and if he’s truly sincere about going to congress to get real things done, then I wish him the best.
It is always nice to read positive things about Clay!
Talking About Politics – Clay For Congress
Don’t underestimate a candidate who already won 12 million Americans’ votes on TV.Clay Aiken may be a surprising candidate for Congress, but he may be just what Democrats need: a new face and fresh blood that energizes new voters, especially young voters.The social-media response to his possible candidacy in the 2nd District was striking, so I asked three 20-somethings what that’s about.One said: “He’s got charisma. He can raise money. And he can get people excited about the race here and around the country.”Another mentioned Aiken’s work as chairman and co-founder of the National Inclusion Project for children with disabilities. President Bush appointed him to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. He’s a local boy who has done well and done good.A third said Democrats need “nontraditional candidates with unique voices.”……Once again, the Democratic Party is having an old debate: Do we need more “moderate” candidates who look like me (old white guys), or do we look to a new generation?…
NC-02: Singer, activist, and one-time American Idol star Clay Aiken is considering a bid for Congress, according to unnamed sources who’ve talked to the Washington Blade. But unlike a lot of celebrities whose names get tossed about in the political arena, it sounds like Aiken is actually taking the idea seriously, meeting with the DCCC and even Hart Research, a pollster. Aiken is monstrously popular with his legion of fans (who call themselves “Claymates”), and he certainly would be an interesting candidate. He is also openly gay and would likely attract support from the LGBT community as well.
i came across an article entitled "Is 'American Idol' Alum Clay Aiken Running For Congress?". The article originated from a local TV station, probably WRAL in Raleigh, NC. It stated Clay has said he is not interested in running.
Here is the link: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/is-…
Can't believe our Clay can still stir up such a media storm. Even if he doesn't run, it has been enlightening to read what others think about him as a Congressman. Thanks so much for gathering a ton of information!!!
The article I just submitted about Clay’s NOT running for Congress was not intended for comment. Just wanted to let you read this article as part of the mass of stories appearing on the Internet.
Hope you weren’t offended in any way. My apologies if you were.
I have been an adamant fan of Clay since the first note came out of his mouth on American Idol. I have no opinion on whether Clay should or should not run for Congress. He is super intelligent and fully capable of deciding what he wants to do in life. My job is to encourage him by doing everything I can to support his goals. I believe he will put his heart and soul into any project he accepts. Nevertheless, it would be wonderful to have an HONEST person who would be a PUBLIC SERVANT somewhere in our government!!
THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR TERRIFIC WEBSITE!
Fabulous articles musicfan! I've seen them posted around and it's nice to read them again! I love all the positive comments! He must be loving this!!! I know WE all are! Once he starts talking about it, he will win everybody over! Republicans AND Democrats! Wish I could vote!
Very positive articles! I love reading all of these articles. I wish Clay all the luck! We need someone like him and not career politicians.
Musicfan-like you I am learning as fast as I can! I have already learned a few things about NC politics and the currently elected officials that are quite disturbing. While some of them made me think twice about this liberal democrat moving to the "deeply red state" I have faith that things are changing!
I look forward to learning more so that I can intelligently speak about why Clay is the best man for the job! I hope by the time I get there in June Clay will have gotten his name on the ballot for November and I will be able to work on his campaign!
Thank you for sharing these great articles and the fabulous pictures! Glad u are feeling better enough to post!
Looks like the media took a few days to check out Clay's portfolio. The more they dig the more they will find that he is a serious contender. 😀 Proud fan.
Thanks for posting these articles. I agree with gaymarie1 that he will win Republicans and Democrats over. He is what this country needs–someone who listens and can bring people together. If Clay wins, then NC wins as well.
I was concerned about you yesterday, musicfan, when there was no Wed. post. I can see you have been very busy putting together today's post. Clay always had more drive and ambition in his life than just singing. He enjoyed it and it gave Clay a stage to move onto more demanding and important ways to improve the lives of others. We all need to get involved to heal this country of the deep divides that separate us.
Hi Emily…I was sorry to miss writing a blog for Wednesday. Unfortunately, the flu struck and I was unable to do anything. Fortunately, I am feeling better!
I wish I could vote too, Gaymarie1. Don't we all! But I plan to do all that I can to promote his candidacy. At the moment, I twitter and facebook all the wonderful writeups, including Cann's, of course. After Clay announces [which I'm POSITIVE he will], I plan to contribute to his campaign fund as well as attend any fund raising functions [big concerts?] available to me. I hope he tells us fans how we can assist him, because I know we'll do a bang up job if we're advised how to go about it.
So excited for Clay, he would make a wonderful rep for Congress! Love reading all these great articles about him, I wish him the very best if this is his new venture, God bless him. Thanks Musicfan for keeping us posted, look forward to your posts every morning. xo
I’m impressed how a majority if the articles have a positive take on Clay. It’s goid to know people can see all the good work he has done over the years. This will definitely be an interesting adventure!
Love these positive posts!!!Just hope this is what Clay is heading for. Clay Aiken would make a perfect candidate.You go for it Clay!!!!