RALEIGH -- He's tired of political gridlock in Washington, that's why singer Clay Aiken said he's filed to run for North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District.

Aiken took a podium after officially submitting his candidacy to talk about the issues which he feels strongest about.

"I think the thing that is affecting people directly most is the lack of employment. The unemployment rate is still too high in this state. Veterans issues are [also] very important to me."

Running as a Democrat, Aiken fielded a question about the federal health care law, which he said is deficient and doesn't go far enough to address rising health care costs. The Chatham County resident Aiken will face at least two other candidates in the a May primary.