San Francisco City Hall

 On Wednesday, San Francisco celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its “Winter of Love,”

when former Mayor Gavin Newsom ordered the county clerk’s office

to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

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I found another very interesting article about Clay Aiken and his run for Congress in North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District.

In The Capital – Prepare to Shed a Tear While Watching Clay Aiken’s New Campaign Ad [Video]

When Clay Aiken announced he was running for Congress in North Carolina this year as a Democrat, most people couldn’t get over the fact that this reality television star thought he was actually qualified to make policy. Perhaps as a response to these misconceptions, Aiken’s campaign has released a heartbreaking, nearly five-minute-long video telling viewers Aiken’s story.

Some of what he shares may surprise you.

Aside from its length, there are a number of elements in this video that are a departure from what is normally discussed in campaign ads. While most politicians begin their ads by talking about their humble background, Aiken’s story is particularly heartbreaking: He discusses in graphic detail his mother’s decision to leave an abusive husband and raise Aiken as a single mom.

“So much of who I am was shaped in those early years, and it’s part of why I decided to run for Congress,” Aiken goes on to say. “For most Americans, there are no golden tickets — at least not like the kind you see on TV. More families are struggling today than at any time in our history, and here in North Carolina, we’ve suffered more than our share of pain.”

Aiken also runs through some of his successes outside of simply appearing on American Idol. From working as teacher for children with special needs to traveling through war zones as an ambassador for UNICEF, Aiken’s big heart is apparent from his background. He was also appointed to a special commission by President George W. Bush to discuss education policies for children with special needs.

“I’m not a politician — I don’t ever want to be one, but I do want to help bring back, at least to my corner of North Carolina, the idea that someone can go to Washington to represent all the people,” Aiken says. “Whether they voted for you or not. And maybe we can play a small part in igniting that change across the rest of our country. This is why I’m running for Congress.”

As far as what Aiken stands for politically, it is clear that he is a true blue Democrat. He places a lot of emphasis on education, as well as social programs for people struggling with underemployment. Aiken has also proposed policies to improve the lives of those serving in the armed forces.

I think that the most striking element to Aiken’s first campaign ad, though, is how genuine he comes across. Listening to him talk, one doesn’t get the sense that they are listening to a politician. And maybe that’s a good thing.

I enjoyed reading this article by Tess VandenDolder.  You can visit her site at In The Capital

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I hope that Clay Aiken, his family and friends are all safe today.

On Wednesday, a deadly winter storm  paralyzed North Carolina, crippling travel and knocking out power to more than 330,000 customers.

 Traffic in many places came to a standstill, vehicles skidded off slippery roads and emergency officials urged drivers not to abandon their vehicles.

This is certainly not the kind of weather that allows people to get any work done!

Stay safe and stay at home!

Hopefully the weather will be better as the day goes on and

we will get more news about Clay and his run for Congress.

Check back later.  We will post any new information as soon as we can!