NORTH CAROLINA: Democrat Clay Aiken Claims Support From "Republaikens"

Gay US House candidate Clay Aiken is causing some head scratching in North Carolina with a new campaign slogan touting his "Republaiken" supporters.

The new "Republaiken" yard signs and stickers are popping up across the second congressional district. His spokesperson said the new messaging is a way to reach out to everyone and show that even some Republicans are supporting his bid, but critics say Aiken is trying to trick voters into thinking he is a Republican. "Who are they trying to fool?" N.C. State University political science professor Steven Greene said. "Presumably, Republican voters because it is a district that certainly leans Republican and where a Democrat would hopefully want to make some headway with Republican voters. Presumably, this is a way to try and do that, though I'm dubious on how successful that might be."

Aiken is currently trailing GOP incumbent Rep. Renee Elmers by several points.