I thought it might be interesting to see some of the new places and Internet sites that are talking about Clay Aiken and his possible run for the US House of Representative.
The Daily Beast – Clay Aiken for Congress?
The last time Clay Aiken was in an election, he received around 12 million votes and lost. If the former American Idol contender runs for Congress from his native North Carolina, as the Washington Blade reports he is considering, he’ll only need about 100,000. The problem for Aiken, a Democrat, is that he’ll have a hard time getting them…
…Even so, Aiken would still likely be the best candidate that Democrats could attract. He’d be able to raise a significant amount of money and draw a ton of national attention. Plus, Ellmers is likely to face a primary challenge: Elected as a Tea Party candidate, she’s upset some ardent conservatives with her steadfast support of Speaker John Boehner and House GOP leadership since arriving in Washington.
So far, national Democrats are staying out of the picture and letting Aiken make up his mind. David Bergstein, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said in a statement to The Daily Beast: “Congresswoman Ellmers is responsible for the most unpopular and reckless Congress in history that’s put the middle class at greater risk, but it’s up to potential candidates to talk about whether they’re interested in running for Congress, not us.”
PoliticusUSA – Clay Aiken Considering Running for Congress Against Tea Partier Renee Ellmers
…Ellmers might be safe in her redistricted heaven, but she can’t afford a big name like Clay Aiken to run against her while she’s being primaried hard from the right. It seems that no one really likes her, and that could depress turnout for the Republican.
Ellmers disappointed the Tea Party extremists, and she’s certainly not helping the constituents who previously voted for Bob Etheridge. Who will rush to vote for her in an off year? Yes, it’s a long run, but a big name is better than no name when it comes to challenging a heavily protected incumbent in an off year, so if this is indeed true, it could be good news for Democrats.
USWeekly – Clay Aiken Considering Run for Congress in North Carolina: Report
…The Blade claims that Aiken, 35, has consulted with political operative Betsy Conti, who worked for former Vice President Al Gore and former North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue. He is reportedly “actively considering” a bid for the seat held by GOP Rep. Renee Ellmers.
This would not be Aiken’s first brush with politics. Back in 2010, the openly gay singer spoke at a Capitol Hill briefing on behalf of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) about anti-bullying legislation…
People Magazine – Clay Aiken Considering Running for Congress: Report
…While his rep didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, Aiken has been involved in several causes since coming in second on Idol in 2003
He has traveled overseas on behalf of UNICEF, gone to Capitol Hill to support anti-bullying and anti-discrimination legislation and co-founded the National Inclusion Project to help children with disabilities.
The North Carolina primary is set for May 6, and the filing deadline is Feb. 28. If he decides to run for the seat currently occupied by Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.), he wouldn’t be the only Democratic candidate.
Aiken hasn’t referenced a possible political run on his Twitter account, but when he thanked fans for their birthday wishes on Nov. 30, he included the hashtag“oldenoughtorunforpresidentnow.”…
Clay has also been on television today…CNN, MSNBC – Look to see more mentions of Clay on TV this evening!
Remember, these are only a few of the articles that are out there today.
