Clay Aiken’s candidate days featured in docu-series

WASHINGTON — The runner-up label seems to be part of Clay Aiken’s narrative now, whether as an entertainer or political candidate.

Aiken came in second to Ruben Studdard on TV’s American IdolCelebrity Apprentice

A four-part documentary series focusing on Aiken’s congressional campaignThe Runner-Up,

“I’ve got a microphone,” Aiken told USA TODAY in an interview last week. “If I use that microphone for people who didn’t think they had a chance … that’s even more powerful than winning.”

That means talking more about veterans’ issues, jobs and the economy and what Aiken said he believes are the flaws in the political process — such as the gerrymandering of congressional districts.

In the documentary, the travails of a first-time political candidate are apparent. Aiken shows his frustration with his campaign staff and makes uncharitable comments about Keith Crisco, his rival for the Democratic nomination who died after an accidental fall about a week after the primary. Crisco, 71, was a former North Carolina secretary of Commerce.

“I have a lot of regret in how I felt during the primary about a man who did a lot of great things for this state,” Aiken said.

Aiken, who touted his previous experience as a special education teacher in his campaign announcement video, said he learned priorities are out of whack in politics. One example he cited: The constant need to raise money, which he said took him away from listening to the needs of North Carolina’s 2nd District residents.

In the end, Aiken raised and spent about $1.2 million in the race. “I said throughout the year the people I’m running for don’t have $5 to give to my campaign,” he said. “There were people who argued I spend all my time with people who could give $2,600.”

The Runner-Up

“I imagine I’d get involved and run for something again,” he said, without specifying which office.

As you might expect in politics, the House GOP campaign committee is ready.

“Given that Aiken lost by 18 points in 2014, the NRCC would be first to roll out the red carpet for him to make another run,” said Ian Prior, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

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