Clay Aiken’s runner-up status in American Idol shows he’d be a weak Congressional candidate, Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC), argued.

Ellmers, speaking in North Carolina’s WMAL in Washington repeatedly hit Aiken on his musical career.

“Apparently his performing career isn’t going so well and he’s bored,” Ellmers said. Aiken is reportedly exploring a bid against Ellmers.

Aiken finished second in American Idol in 2003.

“As we know he doesn’t always fare all that well,” Ellmers said. “He was runner up.”

The radio host interviewing Ellmers then paused to be clear about Ellmers’ jabs.

“I want to make sure we have this right,” the host said according to the Charlotte News & Observer. “You are saying that Clay Aiken couldn’t even win American Idol and his career is in the in the toilet, so that’s why he’s now desperately trying to get to Congress.”

Ellmers added that it could also be thrown in that he didn’t win Celebrity Apprentice either.

“I guess we don’t have a very high approval rating, so I guess the bar has been lowered for him,” Ellmers added.