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Keith Crisco, Clay Aiken's Opponent In NC Primary, Dies Suddenly

The House race in North Carolina's 2nd Congressional district has taken a turn for the macabre: American Idol alum Clay Aiken was in the lead after Tuesday's election, which officials said was still too close to call. But now his closest competitor, Keith Crisco, has died suddenly from injuries sustained in a fall.

“I am stunned and deeply saddened by Keith Crisco’s death,” Aiken said today. “He was a gentleman, a good and honorable man and an extraordinary public servant. I was honored to know him.”

Crisco, 71, was weighing whether or not to demand an official recount at the time of his death:  “This election is still very tight," he said on Wednesday. "I want the elections’ officials to have an opportunity to tally the votes and provide a report on their canvass activities to allow all the campaigns a chance to see the final numbers."

Aiken, who had a slim 369-vote margin over Crisco as of Friday, is temporarily suspending his campaign "as we pray for his family and friends.” While no official announcement has been made, the out singer will likely take on Republican incumbent Rep. Renee Ellmers in November.

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