On Friday night, Clay Aiken spoke at The Young College Democrats of North Carolina annual convention in Greenville, NC.  Clay was the featured speaker at the College Democrats Sponsored Gala.  The event was held at the East Carolina Heart Institute from 7pm to 9pm.

Before speaking at the Gala, Clay was interviewed by WITN – Eastern Carolina’s Breaking News and Weather Authority

Clay Aiken Makes Appearance At ECU’s College Democrats Gala

An American Idol runner-up turned politician is focusing on the youth vote to keep a high level of energy around his campaign.

Congress hopeful Clay Aiken was in Greenville on Friday.

Aiken told WITN, “I need to make sure people see me in a different light. It’s not been that difficult, having a name that people recognize has allowed me to get in front of folks. They’re curious, they want to talk to me, they want to hear what I have to say.”

Aiken is running for the state’s 2nd Congressional District currently held by Republican Renee Ellmers. He’s running against fellow democrat Keith Crisco.

On Friday night, Aiken was at East Carolina’s Heart Institute speaking to ECU students at the College Democrats Gala.

Aiken said, “These are the young people who are going to be making the decisions about the direction this state goes in. The direction this country goes in.”

His journey is unique and one that ECU’s College Democrats President Ebony West admires.

“Turning from American Idol and also pursuing a career in politics is really good,” said West. “I feel like it’ll really inspire a lot of people, especially me to want to pursue politics in the future.”

Aiken said he chose to run for office when he recognized an opportunity to get people to listen to important issues like education.

The convention continues Saturday. North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper will speak at a luncheon at the Hilton in Greenville.

Aiken’s opponent, Keith Crisco, will speak at the Greenville Museum of Art Saturday night.

You can visit the site and support them AND see a video of the interview by clicking at WITN

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Station WNCT9 just posted an article and video too!

Clay Aiken stumps for votes in Greenville

GREENVILLE, N.C. -Senator Kay Hagan and reality show runner-up Clay Aiken paid a visit to Greenville to drum up support for their campaigns.

They’re two of several prominent names at this year’s North Carolina Young Democrats convention taking place in Greenville.

Many young Democrats came from as far away as Raleigh and Asheville.

They’re in the East to network and learn from each other.

The students and young professionals are also here to get a glimpse of big-name Democrats like Senator Hagan.

“I know that you’re going to make all of our communities and all of North Carolina great,” Sen. Hagan said. “You’re going to make our leaders proud, and one day, I hope it is you standing behind this podium.”

Both she and Aiken are excited to meet the younger generation.

“Anybody who’s willing to be a part of the process I think is wonderful,” Aiken said. “Being able to talk to them is great, and hopefully they’ll leave here and be able to take some of that enthusiasm out to their schools, their neighborhoods or their areas.”

The convention continues through this weekend.

State Attorney General Roy Cooper will speak tomorrow.

This article is written by Brandon Goldner.  You can see the video at WNCT9

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Clay is getting to be known as a caring, intelligent, hard working, candidate…but he is also getting to be known as the candidate that will take “selfies” with his supporters.  There were so many posted on twitter after the College Democrats Gala that I had to choose just a few.

UNCG Democrats ‏@uncgcollegedems Kicking off the cdnc convention with @clayfornc

Yeah, it’s Clay Aiken. And yeah, he’s awesome enough to take selfies! An amazing candidate to watch and support. Can’t wait to vote!!

clayfornc Chatting with some awesome @collegedems! #ncpol #nc02

Just hanging out with future US Congressman Clay Aiken!!

‏@Anniken_Marie  I’m just going to put this picture of Clay Aiken and I right here…. #bejealous

Isn’t it fun to have so much information about Clay and his run for Congress.

Did you enjoy the pictures?  Do you have a favorite?