Clay Aiken is “actively considering” a run for Congress, sources say. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
Gay singer and “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken is actively considering a bid to represent North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House, according to two Democratic sources familiar with his plans.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the 35-year-old Raleigh native has taken initial steps for a run, including consulting with political operatives in Washington, D.C., about a bid for the seat.
One Democratic source said Aiken made phone calls to gauge support, talked to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and has met with figures in Raleigh, N.C., about a potential bid. Although it’s unclear when Aiken might formally announce a decision, the source said Aiken is “actively considering” it and “sounding and acting like a candidate.”
To help explore a run, the source said Aiken has been working with Betsy Conti, a Raleigh-based political strategist who’s worked for former North Carolina Gov. Bev Purdue and Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore in addition to serving as Maryland’s deputy labor secretary in the Glendening administration. It’s unclear whether Aiken has formally hired her or anyone else to help with his bid.
Another Democratic source said Aiken was in D.C. last month meeting with pollsters at Hart Research Associates to examine polling data with one of the partners at the firm.
The DCCC hasn’t responded to multiple requests to comment about a potential Aiken candidacy in the past few weeks. Neither Conti nor the Hart Research Associates responded to the Blade’s request for comment on Thursday.
Aiken himself was unable to be reached for comment. A Los Angeles-based management company known as the Firm, which reportedly represented Aiken for his music career in the last decade, didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Aiken wouldn’t be the only candidate on the Democratic side to pursue a run for the House seat, which is currently occupied by Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.). Former North Carolina Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco is expected to formally announce his candidacy on Monday. He formed a campaign committee to explore a run in December.
The filing deadline to participate in the primary is Feb. 28. The primary itself in North Carolina is set for May 6.
Although the polls indicate Republicans may be favored as the mid-term elections approach on a general ballot, the Democratic nominee — whether it’s Aiken, Crisco or someone else — may have a shot at the seat, which comprises Raleigh and was controlled by Democrats before the Republican surge in 2010. A House Democratic aide, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, described the second congressional district as a “winnable seat” for Democrats.
After finishing in second-place on Fox’s “American Idol” in 2003, Aiken used the prominence he gained from performing on the show to launch a successful music and Broadway career. He’s sold more than six millions copies of his albums, and, according to Forbes, made $1.5 million in 2010.
Aiken has also drawn on his fame to help promote causes as an activist. He co-founded the the National Inclusion Project, formerly the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, which seeks to help children with disabilities. Tapped as a national ambassador for the United States Fund for UNICEF in 2004, Aiken has travelled to Afghanistan, Indonesia, Uganda, Mexico, Kenya and Somalia as part of aid missions.
The singer has also taken part in LGBT activism. In 2010, the singer appeared at a briefing on Capitol Hill on behalf of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, or GLSEN, to urge for passage of anti-bullying legislation with LGBT protections known as the Student Non-Discrimination Act and the Safe Schools Improvement Act.
“Like many kids now in middle schools and high schools, I was bullied,” Aiken said at the time. “I was picked on, I was called gay, I was called fag, I was called sissy, you name it. Fortunately, I was able to overcome it and live through it because of a number of friends who were supportive of me.”
Dogged by rumors about his sexual orientation during his appearance on “American Idol” and over the course of his musical career afterward, Aiken came out as a gay in 2008 by appearing on the cover of “People” magazine with his then-infant son Parker Foster Aiken.
“It was the first decision I made as a father,” Aiken told the magazine. “I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn’t raised that way, and I’m not going to raise a child to do that.”
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He would be an excellant congrssman just will greatly miss his singng
You might be a moron.
No, that might be you. Anyone who knows anything about the guy knows that he has always been active in political issues, is very articulate, outspoken & impassioned. He also has a great voice.
What makes him excellent? What are his qualifications? Being “gay” isn’t exactly a qualification but it seems like that is the platform the democratic party has chosen for him. Has he ever run a business? Does he have an education (higher degree)? The article appears to be silent on these important matters. Sorry but “gay” isn’t a reason to elect or not elect someone.
Did Barry Manilow change his name??
Of couse his homosexual hook up at a Holiday Inn in Garner, NC located at 40/42 will have no bearing on whether he will defeat the current incumbent. The 2nd is very socially conservative has served her consituents well. Her defeat of the drunken moron Bob Etheridge was a God Send. No, Clay keep your money, it would be a waste to even try.
Clay would be amazing in Congress or any other political position. is extremely proud to be from North Carolina and will represent the state well. He is smart, considerate, honest and down to earth. What a welcome change that would bring!
Bravo. I hope he runs.
Bravo. I hope he runs.
He would make a great congressman. He's got it all wrapped in one package. Good luck Clay!!!!
Dorothy, can you tell us what it is about Clay Aiken that would make a good congressman?
And exactly what qualification does he have for this position or are you so dumbed down that you don’t value actual “qualification” in your leaders?
I think all the “Bravo” “Bravo” chatter is a wink to the major tv channel that would be covering his run..
Hot political tip .. don’t start calling Duck Dynasty “vile”..
He will definitely help more people every now and then. Hope he can make it, and good-luck to him..=)
Wish he would run in my NC District!
Where does he stand on separation of church and state?
Where does he stand on separation of church and state?
He was raised a conservative Christian, but disagrees with any one religion dominating the political discourse. Socially, he’s more liberal.
They need to include that he is well educated, knowledgable, and intelligent.
What a joke. I suppose he can’t be much worse than the closet homos, crypto jews and vatican agents currently wrecking up the joint.
LOL
Honestly, beyond the name recognition and his sexuality, what does he bring to the race that someone else doesn't?
Anybody is able to run for congress but he's going to be one tiny fish in a big sea. Unless he's hoping to parlay his sexual identity in to camera time, he's going to get lost in that sea should he win.
What a bunch of crap, and the low info voters here are all ready to vote for him.I guess if he decides to run for POTUS he can have Adam Lambert as his first…whatever the hell he is.
LOL, don’t worry he’ll never get in. Too much baggage here in the 2nd District to defeat well-respected Renee Elmers
this f@g is not gonna win. He's got ZERO qualifications, except he's a f@g.
Tom Wharton, that’s uncalled for. Who cares if he’s gay as long as he adheres to the constitution!
Tom go crawl under the bridge you came from, and please drown yourself in the river it crosses. #Troll
I don't think he'll be running so much as prancing.
I don't think he'll be running so much as prancing.
I don't think he'll be running so much as prancing.
Oh great. Just what we need another liberal in Washington.
Oh great. Just what we need another liberal in Washington.
Oh great. Just what we need another liberal in Washington.
Oh great. Just what we need another liberal in Washington.
great, another person out of touch with the working person.
THIS LOSER WOULD FIT IN FINE WITH 99.9% OF CONGRESS!
Let’s hope he runs and the voters tell us what they really think of his ability to serve in a way he never forgets and always regrets.
Stick to singing.
There was absolutely no substantive material in this article that would lead me to believe that he would be either a good or a bad congressman. Perhaps we should vet his politics before we jump on the bandwagon and vote him into congress.
luckily, he is used to coming in second
More power to him if he understands what the Constitution is and what it means and if he intends to honor his oath to protect and defend said constitution. But since he’s running as a democrat, me thinks he has no clue what all of that even means. Sad.
Renee Elmers has all of that withot putting him into this office. If he runs I will have to vote just to vote against him!
We don’t need any more degenerates in Congress. The ship is sinking already.
I guess that being a gay now qualifies someone for Congress. Next, we will have President Rupaul. Come to think of it, Obama is pretty gay himself.
I guess that being a gay is now what makes someone qualified for Congress. Next, we’ll have President Rupaul. We basically have that now with Obamanation.
Would like to know his stance on the issues. Hope it’s not just a run for homosexuals.
Well he certainly meets all of the liberal criteria to run for office, eh? The sheep are going to come out in droves to vote for this one.
You probably should do this in a blue state – doubt you would win a red state.
In Ancient Rome, whenever the court jesters tried to involve themselves in the government or politics, they were swiftly made to disappear. Just what I’ve heard. Not suggesting anything.
I sure hope the kids on here saying “he would be great” “he’s got in all” are NOT allowed to vote.
I’ll ask you: HOW would he be great? What does he bring to the US Citizens? What experience? Where does he stand on the US Constitution? The State Constitution? The FIRST thing this shabby article does is call him a “Gay Singer” Wow, now that is something. Not a great singer or performer or anything else, it LABELED him by his SEXUALITY. That IS NOT a characteristic to run for political office. Nor should looks or someone who can read a teleprompter.
Get a clue!
Why don’t YOU get a clue? Perhaps the people saying they’d vote for him actually know more about him than you. Ever think of that? He has many qualifications – look them up.
He’ll bring absolutely nothing to our District, Of course my only concern is that this district did elect the drunk Bob Etheridge a few times. I’m sure a few low information voters will be trying to vote American Idol style
Why not just enjoy the money you make thru capitalism and then start your own foundation and stay out of the deemer crook lair, so your life won’t get more screwed up?
Really stupid thinking by a meat head..
This amazes me how people are gushing over this guy running for Congress. What makes him so great – singing ability (dubious at best) doesn’t equate with ability to get this country out of its problems. I bet every one of you hang on every morsel Hollywood stars say about politics .. as if they are experts also. This is the sad state our country has come to.
Did you have this sort of negative attitude about Ronald ‘no qualification other than B-movie actor’ Reagan running for office? Or Gopher? Or Ah-nuld?
Clay Aiken’s credentials for government leadership are:
1) Practicing homosexual
2) Sings well
He can sing…of course he should run. Al Franken can make people laugh…of course he should run. Barack Obama can agitate a community…of course he should run. In the world of pop culture, any "fame" makes you qualified and probably a shoo-in. My goodness, if the public recognizes your name, what else do you need??? (Unfortunately…)
I bet he sings the national anthem at Pinkskins games
Yah, like we need another inexperienced stupid congressman. But then the stupid “sheep” will probably vote him in just as they did Obummer.
Just what qualificationsdo you have except to TRYto tear someone down.It shows just how ignorant you sound & are.What have you done to help ANYONE. Nothing, I'm sure.
He would not get my vote!
I’m sure Barney Frank is quite pleased!
Singing and orientation don't matter. I love him as an entertainer, but he'll be just anothe big government liberal.
Worked for algore? Next.
I believe you're a fraud Tom Wharton. But if I'm wrong- as a conservative I support your right to free speech and religious convictions just as I support Mr. Aiken s choice to freely love and share a life with whoever he chooses. It's all about Liberty.
Just what we need. Another Homo in a position of legislation to further their agenda.
I agree with Tom. He's a Fag
The Washington Blade is a gay newspaper. Your comments are highly offensive. If you don’t like gays don’t come here.
LMFAO !!!!! Now that’s funny
I have no problem with Clay running for Congress — he'd certainly do a better job than Nancy Pelosi.
And exactly what would make him an excellent Congressman? Because he's gay?
That would be more qualification for office – or anything for that matter – than Sarah Palin.
So was Hitler.
Thats all we need. Another defect in government. Reckon him & Lindsay Graham will be "best buds" after a bit.
I don't believe he's quite gay enough.
But, close.
Sabrina Dively Except when your convictions tell you to sand against his homosexuality. Then your free speech becomes hate speech according to the left and must be squashed. Can't have it just one way Sabrina.
The Gay agenda is being forced on America! Gay marriage, gay boy scouts, transgender bathrooms in elementary school….the moral decay of this nation is happening before our eyes!!!
Sexuality has nothing to do with how I vote but there was one thing in this article that eliminates Clay from getting any support from me and hopefully any other sane person who doesn’t vote blindly.
Clay has been actively working with Al Gore. Anyone who works with Al Gore loses a lot of creditibilty. It would be really easy to pick apart any false ideology that comes from these lying leeches.
I hope clay distances himself as much as possible from Al Gore and when he gets asked his political views I hope he is honest,
You need to learn to read. I doubt he’s even met Al Gore. However, a political strategist he’s been talking with WORKED with Al Gore. 2 degrees of seperation – get it?
Hopefully he believes the state shall not impose a religion on the citizens but that the citizens are free to practice their religion without persecution and prejudice. It's all about Liberty.
Dorothy: I don't care about his "package" as maybe some of his gay supporters do. I care about his qualifications of which he has none. Sorry, being gay doesn't rank.
Clay mates are out in full force. He's smart, I'll give you that, but we don't need another gay person running based on their sexual orientation.
What qualifications does he have for the office? What would make him an excellent congressman? I’d want more from my congressperson than being able to sing.
What are his positions? That's all that matters.
Public or behind closed doors? Perhaps they’re the same?
Ever since Al Franken stole his election, every moron in the world thinks he can be a congressman. And judging from the incumbents, it doesn't take much to be one, I guess. But first go comb your hair . . .
Can he really get elected with a “There’s Something About Mary” Cameron Diaz hairdo.
Jack Blair Another "conservative" who wants government to leave people alone — unless it's to peek in their bedrooms or orifices.
Isn't that kind of personal?
Oh goody another father raising a child into mental chaos and confusion. As for qualifications, as others are stating, none are needed as long as you are a celebrity and gay! Brains can be left at the door.
Tom and Jack should get a room!
Tom and Jack should get a room!
Well, in today's America, being a h0m0sexua! is all that matters. That's how we wind up with an idiot like 0bama in office.
He's a great candidate for obtuse liberal voters who don't care about experience or qualifications.
He'll fit right in with that crowd.
Oh gosh, another celebrity that thinks they can help!
Who says? At least his filibusters will be entertaining as he sings for 36 hours straight.
Um, Mitt Romney won this district by 15.5%. No Democrat will win this district (especially Aiken), even if it's a blue waive of 2008 proportions.
Wow, another UNQUALIFIED idiot who thinks he can be a Congcritter. Well, he’s no dumber than Hank Johnson or Maxine Waters or Sheila Jackson-Lee or Nutsy Baloney.
Sabrina Dively Ditto that !!
What qualifications did Barack Obummer have before he ran for President?
Dorothy, just exactly why do you think he'd make a great Congressman? What are his credentials? What are his stands on issues? What has he ever done? (American Idol doesn't count)
Sabrina Dively
Well you can see what that kind of Liberality is doing to our Country ! and you dear are not a conservative so come out of the closet your self.
Bradley Goodrich Or on floats in parades in public, right Braddy?
Bradley Goodrich oh so i take it you dont support govt funding for birth control pills
Great now we can have a Glee Congress
He cant win… I can care less that he choose to reveal his personal sexual behavior to the public, he still wont win…
He looks like he's 12 years old, no way. I couldn't care less that he's gay. Look what happened the last time Americans voted based on emotions rather then qualifications.
Atleast it's not GOP Cult nut jobs
So his singing and acting career is at a dead end, no more reality shows coming up, why not give it a go as a politician.
Sylvia Tennie Parkey He's just afraid and I'm sure maybe in his next lifetime he might be gay to overcome his adversity to being gay. Maybe that'll change his mind. Some people don't have a problem with other people's lifestyle as long as it doesn't infringe on someone else's. Someone being gay has nothing to do with me, so that's THEIR thing. Obviously, Tom can't seem to get past his backwards a$$ mentality of other people. Oh well.
Go Clay!!! I want you and all of your pin headed Demroids to spend large $ to help NC's economy. Then you can sing sad songs at your concession speach..
Doggie and knees
Well what qualifications did Barry have?
Where is that mentioned in the Constitution? Maybe you should start by reading it first.
At least it's better than a son of a Nazi, who is friends with Nazi criminals, that used to be a heavy pot smoker, steroid dealer, and someone that cheats on his wife, has countless number of sexual harassment issues. For the State of California, we had Arnold Schwarzenegger and all he did was waste OTHER people's money to promote his MASSIVE ego and he promoted his agenda which was to make pot legal, make crooked deals, and not help the State. Glad he's gone, he should have never been allowed to run for ANY public office due to his Nazi connections.
You can't even spell so your opinion is really important!
I thought Wayne newton lived in Nevada.
You mean like top or bottom? Or this issues?
You mean like top or bottom? Or this issues?
Bent over with his a$$ in the air .
It depends on what context. If you are Sandra Fluke, a lazy, 30 year-old student who can well afford to buy her own, then no.
Any democrat talking about "cult nut jobs" is so delusionsal (not to mention so incredibly stupid) that his/her opinion is automatically absurd. Are there ANY libs left out there who are not totally lacking in self-awareness?
name recognition in this case will not be a help
not sure—-probably doggie-style is his fave though
He has zero chance in a district that is becoming more Republican.
More like best "butts"
He surely wouldn't suck any worse than Bwarney Fhwank, or would he?
He's most likely split.
He's most likely split.
Great, another mush minded pop culture puppet who thinks that, because he is the momentary fetish to which clueless teenagers masturbate,, he actually has qualified thoughts on policy. Gaga for President, too.
N.C and the South is being infiltrated by liberals from the NE. They are running for town council/school boards, e.g. Whether they lare qualified makes no difference (look at Obama – the community agitator/he got elected w/NO experience in anything). It is all about taking over the South & taking over every aspect of citizens lives, granting illegals amnesty, destroying the institution of marriage, further destroying the family unit.(80% of black babies are born out of wedlock/have no daddys but do get $$$ for those babies, 45%latinos out of wedlock, 24% white babies out of wedlock & encouraged by libs/dems all to make them become dependents to the democrat party). But hey, dems/libs can lie to get elected then do what obama is doing – disregard laws they don't like & make up new ones as they see fit. NEVER vote democrat/liberal/progressive/socialists unless you want to live like cubans!
BWAQHAHHAHAHHAHAAA! another fruitcake liberal. Just what would this freak bring to the table??
No more democrats, please. The democrats have done enough damage and it will take years to repair. We don't need any more democrats, gay or straight. Clay – go away!
Sabrina Dively
Aw, that was so cute and sweet. Perhaps Hallmark work grimey anal penetration themes into more of their vignettes of romance.
Sabrina Dively You know that's highly unlikely. He will want people to follow the Church of State, AKA Political Correctness.
You did say "fruitcake".
I would never knowingly vote for a queer…
Great! One more gay advocate in congress. What's his platform? Queer eye for the straight democratic voter?
Enough with the obsession over who is gay or not. Simply being gay does not qualify you for anything! I am so sick and tired of hearing about who’s a homosexual, who’s not, who said this about homosexuals, who said that. Give it a rest already.
Tom, I'll never vote for a Democrat, but I'm embarrassed for you. You really are an idiot.
Clay Aiken… What qualifications, besides sucking does he have? Whoops. Forgot. Anymore thats all you need.
I am still trying to figure out how liberals, about 10-15 percent of the population keep winning elections against a much vaster amount in population. Does their single votes count for 4,5,6,7 votes?
Really. Out of here and back to a normal site with normal people.
I saw Clay once on FACE THE NATION – he really surprised me with his solid grounding in the issues that day. I wouldn’t count him out. Everyone laughed at Sonny Bono & he turned out to be a very popular Congressman in his district.
So you’re suggesting that Clay not take any skiing trips if elected?
Does he understand that he isn't going up against 11 other hopefuls and that votes are not cast by calling a 1-800 number at the end of all the other contestants songs?
Clay, go back to the special ed kids, they need you. Seriously, you are great with them.
oooooooo mmmmmmmmmmmmmm ggggggggggggggggg!!!!!!!!! but he can sing soooo good.
NC you craZE!
Of course he should run. The democrats need Village People to secure their GL standings in the delusional, and rectal avenues of distorted lifestyles.
His hair looks as if someone stuck something in his butt!!
His hair looks as if someone stuck something in his butt!!
I can't beleive the people here saying that Aitken would make a great Congressman? Didn't you idots learn from the last time(s) YOU voted in a person with NO experience? Yes. I mean YOUR leader. Just tell me one thing that make4s Airken qualificated to be a US Congressman? Thought so. you can't name one. Please please please don't vote if you are NOT informed. Politicians are powerful and we need leadership; NOT idolism. IMHO
Check out what Clay had done since Idol… And back away from my Mother both of you
I’d say most politicians make bad politicians. He’s gay, an entertainer, not a veteran, never ran a business, as far as anyone knows never studied history, economics, civics, law or foreign affairs… THE PERFECT CANDIDATE FOR OUR CURRENT POLITICAL CLIMATE AND CULTURE.
no more celebrity politicians… have we learned nothing from Arnold, Al Franken, among others. It does not matter the party, most celebrities make bad politicians.
other than your derogatory term i agree with you 100%.
Sylvia Tennie Parkey hon i disagree with his terminology, but aiken has nothing to bring to the table… he is a musician… nothing more.
Don Benghazi Hooker we should have not ended up with Obama do not blame me, i voted for McCain and Palin.
At a time when this country is in desperate need of leaders to turn the economy around, address a crippling debt, and open up opportunities for new business (especially in manufacturing), do we get an economist, a business leader, or an academic? No, we get a jester….
I’m glad he is used to finishing second.
I don't really see his orientation being an issue in NC. While there certainly is some very conservative folks in NC, on the whole its a moderate state more concerned with character than preferences. Personally, I don't think he has a resume that supports a run for Congress and would probably be destroyed by the 'machine' of either party.
You don’t live in the 2nd District. NC is a very diverse state. The 2nd is a rural area for the most part touching some parts of Raleigh but not the populated areas. So as a Red State that has a Republican HOuse Senate and Governor, voted against the tyrant last time in the White House, With Kay HAgan already on the ropes for her Senate seat down under 40% without a Republican challenger yet. He has zero chance, unless there is stuffing the ballot box American Idol Style voting doesnt count in Elections unless you are B Obama
Why in the hell do they have to start a sentence off with "A Gay singer" ? What the hell is up with that?. They never did that to Elton John.
Run Girl Run!
Just what we need. Lol!!
yarply12 You are forgetting the 'other' liberals. The dead ones, the imaginary ones, the multiple voters, the graveyard names, etc. They account for over 40% of the liberal vote in most elections.
unixfly666, you folks have an illegal in the white house that to this day HIDES all of his academic records, has multiple SSN's, breaks the law regularly, vacations and golfs more than all of his predecessors combined and you want to talk about a CULT? LOL. You would have loved Jim Jones. Him and Obama have the same charisma!
Given the outcome of the DOMA proposition in NC, you have probably got a point.
Great. Another fruitcake in congress. This cutie will probably make Barney Frank come out of retirement….
He'll never make it….he's a dumacrat and they're going down in the next election!
Good thing Clay is already accustomed to coming in second.
He is not going to help Democrats with their image problem in North Carolina any.
He has his homosexual agenda and that is all he has and that is not what is on the minds of 98% of American’s. Go away and don’t look back North Carolina does not need you pushing your gay agenda.
A fetish of pumping poo is not anything to do with equality . Sexual deviates who risk infecting everyone with Aids and hep a, b, c . should not be allowed near food or other people let alone children its a huge health hazard . They have the hide to say all normal people have to take away mother and father from all legal documents because it offends them , yet it offends all normal people and their children what they are doing . Anus is not made for sexual activity , ITS DISGUSTING . This is like the Jones town cult .
Have to admit…. A gay singer/entertainer should be more qualified than a community organizer.
How is Renee Elmers a community organizer? Her occupation is Nursing. People outside of the 2nd District of North Carolina should keep their opinions to their own state.
He heard about Obummer being on the down low, so he want’s to get into position (on his knees) to help Obummer get off. Just what we need…another boob with no qualifications or experience telling everyone else how to live. Keep the queer in the sewer where he belongs. All you sick women who like him should be ashamed of yourselves!
wow.
forget owning a business, managing people, solving problems, making payroll, running a nonprofit, studying public policy, creating jobs, working in other areas of the public sector, et.al.
the dncc is now using this checklist to find “qualified” candidates:
__ appeared on reality t.v.
__ gay