NORTH CAROLINA: Clay Aiken Apparent Winner In Democratic US House Primary
The battle between Keith Crisco, a moderate, business-friendly Democrat, and former “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken came down to a very slim margin Tuesday night: As the vote-count neared completion, Aiken led by fewer than 400 votes. At 11:30 p.m., Aiken took to the stage to thank his supporters and say he was confident that he would be in the race in November. Crisco said earlier in the evening that the race was too close to call and didn’t comment further. The winner will face U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers, a two-term Republican incumbent from Dunn, who handily defeated GOP challenger Frank Roche, a former radio talk-show host and economist who lives in Cary.State rules require a 40% + one vote finish in order to avoid a runoff. At this writing, the Associated Press has declined to call the race for Aiken even though 100% of the precincts have reported. A recount may be coming.
Labels: American Idol, Clay Aiken, Democrats, gay politicians, North Carolina, pop music, U.S. House
