On May 12, the Associated Press reported that Keith Crisco, Clay Aiken's Democratic primary opponent, died from "some type of fall" in his home on Monday. Crisco's sons confirmed his death to Robert Lawson, AEC Narrow Fabrics president.

Crisco, a North Carolina capitalist and founder of AEC Narrow Fabrics, was entangled in a too-close-to-call Democratic Party primary with Clay Aiken, the former "American Idol" singer. Aiken, an American singer, songwriter, actor, TV personality, author, activitist and politician, had a tiny 400-vote lead over his opponent for the 2nd congressional district in North Carolina that would pit him against Renee Ellmers, the Republican who currently holds the position. Aiken officially filed on Feb. 27, 2014.

There is no word yet of how Crisco's death will affect the Democratic primary. The state Board of Elections has so far simply expressed condolences to Crisco's family. Even if Aiken is selected as the Democratic nominee, he faces a tough race in the GOP-leaning 2nd Congressional District in November, especially since races tend to be easier for incumbents like his opponent.

Born on a dairy farm and a descendant of Republicans, Crisco finished his MBA at Harvard University. He became a top business recruiter in North Carolina for four years in the cabinet of then-Governor Beverly Perdue.  Perdue left the governor's position in 2013. He also worked at the Commerce Department for a year during the tenure of President Richard Nixon.

In a statement, Aiken said that although Crisco was able to get an education from Harvard, worked at the White House, and finally got a seat in the Governor's Cabinet, he admirably never forgot his roots. Aiken described his opponent as a man of integrity, an exemplary public servant and a man of good actions. Aiken called it a privilege to have known Crisco. Crisco was 71 years old when he died.