In this publicity image released by Lifetime Television, former "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken is shown during a guest-starring appearance on "Drop Dead Diva." Aiken will be seen in an upcoming episode of the series, airing Sunday, July 24, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. EDT on Lifetime. (AP Photo/Lifetime Television, Bob Mahoney)RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Former "American Idol" and "Superstar Apprentice" runner-up Clay Aiken joined every other excessive-profile contest Wednesday — this one to get elected to Congress in his native North Carolina.