National News

Keith Crisco, Primary Opponent of Clay Aiken, Found Dead

North Carolina congressional candidate Keith Crisco. Roberto Willett/AP

Emergency responders found North Carolina congressional candidate Keith Crisco dead in his home Monday. Crisco was involved in a high-profile primary race against former American Idol contestant Clay Aiken.

Early reports indicate Crisco fell in his home early Monday afternoon, according to the Asheboro Courier-Tribune.

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The 71-year-old businessman trailed Aiken by 369 votes after a close May 7 primary against Aiken, according to the Courier-Tribune. Aiken released a statement offering condolences to the Crisco family, according to North Carolina station WGHP.

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Crisco was an accomplished Democrat within the state, having served as business recruiter for former Governor Beverly Perdue, according to the Associated Press. Aiken, meanwhile, gained fame during his second-place run on American Idol. Aiken finished second years later on “Celebrity Apprentice.’’

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The winner of the primary was set to face Republican incumbent Renee Ellmers, who won the seat in 2010.

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