I look at it this way: Dealing with show business sharks is probably a good preparation for working in Congress:
Former "American Idol" star and singer Clay Aiken (D) announced his candidacy for Congress on Tuesday.
In a video posted to his new campaign Web site, Aiken says he will challenge Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.).
Aiken filmed the video in his childhood home, recalling an abusive father and his mother's hard work to raise him.
"If you only know the part of my story that begins with a golden ticket -- something that still seems unbelievable to me, even to this today -- you might wonder what would qualify me to run," says Aiken, who finished second on "American Idol" in 2003. "Well it starts with a life I remember all to well."
Aiken is considered a long shot in a strongly conservative district. Ellmers's district went for Mitt Romney by 15 points in 2012.
In the video, Aiken says he is a Democrat but notes that he was appointed by Republican president George W. Bush to an effort focused on special education -- an experience he cites as having gotten him interested in politics.
