Congressman Clay Aiken?

Although he was the runner up in the second season of American Idol in 2003, he's one of the most famous contestants ever, certainly more famous than Ruben Studdard, the man who beat him in that contest. He became even more famous after coming out in a September 2008 interview with People magazine.

Now he's looking at a possible new career, in politics. According to The Washington Blade, Aiken, 35, "is actively considering a bid to represent North Carolina's 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House, according to two Democratic sources familiar with his plans."

An anonymous source said Aiken, who lived in Raleigh, had made phone calls to gauge the level of support he might receive as a candidate, and has talked to Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and is working with a political strategist as well. Sounds kind of serious.

He's released albums with RCA and Decca, launched ten tours, authored a best selling book, executive produced a TV Christmas special, was runner up (drat! again!) to Arsenio Hall in The Celebrity Apprentice, performed on Broadway, created the National Inclusion Project, and was a UNICEF ambassador in 2004.

Aiken would be going up for the seat currently held by Republican Renee Ellmers, and he'd have to file to run in the May primary by February 28.

H/T The Washington Blade