American Idol" alumni, LGBT activist, and Congressman?
According to People magazine, Clay Aiken is considering running for the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina, two Democratic sources familiar with his plans told the Washington Blade
Aiken, who finished second on "American Idol" in 2003, has reportedly "taken initial steps for a run, including consulting with political operatives in Washington, D.C."
People reported that the Raleigh, N.C., is also reportedly meeting with Raleigh locals and talked with Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, who are in charge of "recruiting and boosting promising Democratic candidates for the House of Representatives."
According to the Blade's sources, the 35-year-old singer has reportedly consulted with Betsy Conti, who is a political strategist and has previously worked with former Gov. Bev Purdue, D-N.C., and former Vice President Al Gore.
Aiken will be reportedly seeking the seat now held by Republican Rep. Renee Elmers, who was placed into office in 2010. Aiken, who came out as gay in 2008, co-founded the National Inclusion Project, an organization which aims to helping disabled children.
In 2010, the singer appeared at a Capitol Hill briefing to ask lawmakers to push for an anti-bullying law, what would protect students of the LGBT community.
Another Democrat planning on announcing his candidacy on Monday is former North Carolina Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco. People reports that he has already formed a campaign committee.
The filing deadline for the May 6 primary is Feb. 28. Aiken certainly is not the first star to dip their toes into the political pond.
Austrian movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected governor of California for two terms. Rapper and artist, Wyclef Jean ran for president of Haiti, after the 2010 earthquake, but he was later disqualified for not being a current resident of the country.
Actor, director and Oscar winner, Clint Eastwood was the mayor of Carmel, Calif. from 1986 to 1988, before starting his 56-year career. Most famous is film and radio star Ronald Reagan, who became the 33rd governor of California before winning the 1980 presidential election on the Republican ticket.
