“American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken, the Democratic nominee in North Carolina’s 2nd District, went up Monday with his first ad of the general election.  

With two weeks to go, Aiken talks to camera in the 30-second spot, attacking Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers for keeping her paycheck during the government shut down, among other things.  

youtu.be/mFL-DtuTwAs  

Advertising in North Carolina does not come cheap this cycle. The Senate contest between Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan and state Speaker Thom Tillis could become the most expensive Senate contest in history , surpassing $100 million in spending.  

As of Sept. 30, Aiken had $338,000 in cash on hand, not nearly enough to blanket this district with ads, according to North Carolina Democratic operatives. Ellmers reported $513,000 in the bank for the final weeks of the race.  

In 2012, Mitt Romney carried the district by 16 points, making it tough territory for any Democrat. The race is rated Safe Republican by the Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.  

Roll Call Election Map: Race Ratings for Every Seat


Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.