Republican Congresswoman Renee Ellmers of the state's Second Congressional District and her challenger, Democrat Clay Aiken, appeared in a candidates forum in Cary this morning.
The brief breakfast forum, hosted by the Cary Chamber of Commerce, marked the first time Ellmers and Aiken had ever met. Ellmers said she came away with a good impression of her opponent.
"This was my first meeting him, " said Ellmers. "I had never met him in person before. He's very pleasant and very much a gentleman, I can see that. And you know, hey, I applaud him for running for office."
Ellmers can afford to be charitable. State legislators redrew the Second District back in 2011 to favor Republican candidates. But former American Idol contestant Clay Aiken does have name recognition. He also raised more money than Ellmers in the second quarter. The two will hold a debate on October sixth in Pinehurst.