Name recognition doesn’t guarantee singer Clay Aiken, a Democrat, a seat in Congress from NC

Clay Aiken. Wikipedia photo

RALEIGH, N.C.— “American Idol” star Clay Aiken has plenty of name recognition. But that doesn’t mean voters in North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District will send the singer-songwriter and Democratic hopeful to Washington to represent them in Congress.

Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers has represented the district for two terms and wants to make it three. The tea party favourite has a good shot at doing so.

North Carolina offers clues as to why Democrats have little chance to retake control of the House in 2014.

An unpopular president in his sixth year in office combined with a divisive health care law are a drag on Democrats and energize core Republican voters in what are traditionally low-turnout midterm elections. Congressional districts redrawn in 2011 by the GOP-controlled state legislature also help.