As of early last week, former American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken again felt the anxiety that comes with awaiting the results of a vote. On May 8th, Aiken beat his opponent in the Democratic primary in North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District in unofficial elections. Aiken won by only a slight margin, less than 400 votes. His opponent was a textile entrepreneur named Keith Crisco. On May 12th, the 71 year old Crisco was found dead in his home, and Aiken announced that his campaign will, for the time being, be suspended to honor his dead opponent.
Said Aiken in his press release: “I am stunned and deeply saddened by Keith Crisco’s death. Keith came from humble beginnings. No matter how high he rose — to Harvard, to the White House and to the Governor’s Cabinet — he never forgot where he came from.
He was a gentleman, a good and honorable man and an extraordinary public servant. I was honored to know him. I am suspending all campaign activities as we pray for his family and friends.”
Republican incumbent Renee Elmers also expressed her sadness at Crisco’s death: “I am deeply saddened by this sudden and painful tragedy and wish God’s blessings for Keith’s family through the coming days. His kindness and dedication to his principles were models we should all strive toward, and he will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Keith’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
The state elections board showed the unofficial results of the primary on May 7th. Aiken received 40% of votes needed to avoid a runoff election in July or for Crisco to demand a recount. Of, course, now Aiken is the only candidate in the primaries. Even had he lived, Crisco was apparently willing to concede the election, according to political consultant Brad Crone.
Aiken will have an uphill battle ahead of him, should he choose to continue, as he is facing Republican incumbent Renee Elmers, a Tea Partier who is popular in the conservative district. Aiken chooses to describe himself as a Centrist, but it will still be difficult for him to win votes in the heavily evangelical area.
Despite the red streak in his district, Aiken claims that the fact that he is gay will not be a factor in the elections in November. “It’s not an issue for me. It is not an issue for most of the people who I speak with in this district.”
The final results were to be broadcast May 13th, as there were still 400 absentee ballots that needed to be counted.
Aiken, who is well-known from his days as a contestant on American Idol eleven years ago, says that “I want the elections officials to have an opportunity to tally the votes and provide a report … to allow all the campaigns a chance to see the final numbers.”
The candidate is emphasizing the need to provide services for autistic services. Aiken previously served under George W. Bush on the Presidential Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities. He is also running as a defense hawk, criticizing Elmers for voting to cut the military’s budget. He has received endorsements from his former rival on American Idol Ruben Stoddard, who said in a radio spot that “I’m proud to call him my friend, but you’ll be proud to call him your congressman…Congress needs more people like him.”
But don’t get your hopes up for a singing congressman in Washington– as stated above, North Carolina’s 2nd District is heavily conservative, and Elmers is popular there.
