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Ten and a half years ago, Clay Aiken rose to fame by winning America’s votes. In 2014, he may try to court them again, this time at the ballot box.

Only one district of North Carolina will decide the winner of this contest, though, if he decides to enter it: Clay is considering running for U.S. Congress.

According to a new report from the Washington Blade, the second-season American Idol runner-up is “actively” laying the ground work for a political run.

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He has consulted with political operative Betsy Conti, who worked for former Vice President Al Gore and former North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue.

One Democratic source said Aiken made phone calls to gauge support, talked to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee about a potential bid.

Although it’s unclear when Aiken might announce a decision, the source said Aiken is “actively considering” it and “sounding and acting like a candidate.”

 

The seat in Aiken’s home district, which leans heavily Republican is currently held by Tea Party member and incumbent GOP Rep. Renee Ellmers.

He would be a long shot, but he might give it a go anyway, as this would not be the first brush with politics for 35-year-old, Tar Heel State native Aiken.

In 2010, the openly gay singer spoke at a Capitol Hill briefing on behalf of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) about anti-bullying legislation.

“Like many kids now in middle schools and high schools, I was bullied,” the Washington Blade quotes him as saying at the time. “I was picked on. I was called gay.”

“I was called f-g, I was called sissy. You name it. Fortunately, I was able to overcome it and live through it because of a number of friends who were supportive.”

Think he should throw his hat in the ring in 2014? And would he be able to contend as a Democrat? Share your comments and thoughts below …