Former American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken is working with political strategist Betsy Conti to determine if he should run for a congress seat in North Carolina, FOX News reported. Both have been making calls and networking, including a meeting between Aiken and pollsters in Washington D.C. last month, to gauge public support.

At first glance, Aiken would appear an unlikely candidate for the federal government. At second glance, he probably still is, though he has a fairly impressive resume of social activist work. As a U.S. Fund for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) ambassador since 2004, he's traveled to Uganda, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Kenya advocating for educational opportunities for children, according to FOX. He was named to the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities in 2006.

Indeed, a brief scroll of Aiken's tweets reveals his continued role with UNICEF and in children's lives. Most either thank those who attended a particular fund raising dinner or ask followers to consider donating. One squeezed-in hashtag at the end of this Nov. 30 tweet celebrating his 35th birthday perhaps alluded to Aiken's greatest ambition, should he attain a congress seat:

Aiken, openly gay since 2008, is also active in championing LGBT rights, and, related to that issue, anti-bullying legislation, according to the New York Daily News.

Artistically, "Claiken" has released six albums since his successful run on the second season of American Idol. He also finished second on Celebrity apprentice in 2012 and appeared in the Broadway play, "Spamelot," in 2008 as Sir Robin.

Few outlets if any have speculated on Aiken's chances, though I suppose they may be waiting for Conti to make that proclamation first. Also sparse were user's comments, at least those trailing articles from the Daily News, FOX, and the Chicago Tribune. The lone remark from the Daily News, however, described government officials in a relatively unique way, at least through the lens of anti-government commentary.

"Sure. What the heck?. I'd vote for a cinder block if it would mean getting superstitious people out of the U.S. government."

Celebrities who've had or have political careers include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Bradley (New York Knicks), Jesse Ventura (pro wrestler), Ronald Reagan, and Fred Thompson (Law & Order).

"This is the Night," Aiken's #1 single.