Former American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken is running for the United States Congress in North Carolina.
The openly gay singer – who came out of the closet in 2008 – will challenge incumbent Renee Ellmers, who narrowly captured the seat from a seven-term Democratic incumbent during the GOP’s Tea Party-fueled wave election of 2010.
“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 someone can go to Washington to represent all the people, whether they voted for you or not,” Aiken said in announcing his bid.
Ellmers didn’t immediately respond to Aiken’s formal entry into the race, but has previously offered dismissive comments related to his candidacy.
“Apparently his performing career is not going so well and he’s very bored,” she said during a recent radio interview.
She also joked about his American Idol finish.
“He didn’t really fare all that well,” she said. “He was runner-up.”
Anyway, here’s Aiken’s announcement video …
Aiken narrowly lost to American Idol 2 winner Ruben Studdard – falling just 134,000 votes shy out of 24 million cast. Since then he’s released several records and starred in several television shows, including The Celebrity Apprentice. He’s also appeared on Broadway as “Sir Robin” in a production of Monty Python’s Spamelot.
Aiken’s only real experience in Washington, D.C. is serving as a gay rights advocate.
His opponent? Our sources in the nation’s capital tell us Ellmers is a “train wreck” and a “poster child for GOP hypocrisy.”
We’re also told she is a “big anti-tea party voice” who regularly slams pro-freedom, pro-free market lawmakers.
19 comments
Let’s make it a no hold barred mud wrestling match to crown the new Ms. NC Senator champion of the world.
That’s how you get the redneck vote out. Plus, I want to see Clay Aiken in a bikini while I drink my PBR and slap backs with Cooter and Enos in the stands and wave the Confederate flag.
On the one hand, I’m like, “What makes this guy qualified to be a congressman?”
On the other hand, I’m like, “What makes any of the congressmen qualified, and what good has it done anyways?”
Ehh, doubt I’d vote for him though.
Love him or hate him, he presents well. Props for delivering that message in one take with no prompter.
I’ll bet he likes you, too!
Tolerant much? Tea Party then? Oh no, not YOU. Never that.
Hey.. cut back on the coffee – I’m a liberal.
There’s one in the spotlight, he don’t look right to me, get him up against the wall.
Yup. And he’s got a gun!
Watch that trigger finger, most libtards I know have zero trigger etiquette.
Yeah, you never know where a liberal’s finger has been.
I have to give him credit. I didn’t agree with everything he said, but what he said seemed entirely sincere and heartfelt. I believe he really wants to make a difference for the better. Whether I believe he would be the best person to do that or not might be another matter, but I wish that kind of sincerity were much more common in our politicians than it is.
Ellmers is a soup sandwich on her good days. Goofy as Aiken may be, that’s a damn good video. Women voters will eat that shit up.
Alderman Davis is more qualified than this person.
HAHA, that’s obscure and funny as HELL!
I’m Your Alderman!
Why not? We’ve seen and heard worse.
Ellmers better not say too much….I saw him on a talk show yesterday and was totally impressed.The people in NC may be also…..and that video is great. He has a masters in education,but seems to really understand the issues…..and he can sing.
Ummmmmmm.. no. The pedants in DC will own him two seconds after he arrives.
I’d vote for him in a heartbeat & have no interest in his off-duty preferences. He appears head & shoulders above the four-flushin’ weasels we send to Washington. Think Sanford & Wilson – for starters.