Clay Aiken to be appointed to White House committee

(Raleigh, NC-AP) September 6, 2006 - The White House says singer Clay Aiken is in line to be named to the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

Aiken is a native of Raleigh who gained fame as a runner-up on "American Idol." He had worked as a YMCA counselor in Raleigh before launching his singing career.

The committee's Web site says it advises the president on issues pertaining to people with intellectual disabilities. The committee was established in 1961 by President John Kennedy as the President's Panel on Mental Retardation.

A White House press release says President Bush intends to make the appointment.

Posted 9:13pm by Chantelle Janelle