After saying in a statement on Wednesday that he was not ready to concede the race for North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District to former American Idol singer Clay Aiken, former NC Commerce Secretary and businessman Keith Crisco was reportedly found dead in his home on Monday.
As reported by the Asheboro Courier-Tribune:
Early information indicates he suffered injuries from a fall around 1 p.m. at his home at 1263 Thayer Drive in Asheboro. He was reported dead at the scene when emergency workers arrived there.
Crisco had a long history of involvement in Asheboro’s business and local government scene. He was a co-founder of Asheboro Elastics Corp. and received much recognition for the success of his narrow-elastics business in a struggling textile industry. He served on the Asheboro City Council from 2003-2009.
In 2008, Keith was asked to serve as secretary of the N.C. Department of Commerce by then Gov. Bev Perdue. He left the post in 2012 and earlier this year officially launched a run for the U.S. House District 2 seat in the Democratic primary. He ran against Clay Aiken.
The race was considered too close to call, but Aiken was ahead of Crisco by 369 votes. Both candidates were awaiting word from Tuesday’s official canvass before determining how to proceed.
The North Carolina State Board of elections has issued a statement:
?The State Board of Elections is saddened to hear of the passing of Keith Crisco.?? A native of North Carolina, we are grateful for Mr. Crisco’s service to our state and his community through the years. ?Our thoughts and prayers are with the Crisco family during this difficult time.?
Crisco’s?death has been confirmed by an employee with the Asheboro Elastic Corp., which was co-founded by Crisco, and by Asheboro city manager John Ogburn. Crisco was 71 years old.
Tiffany Willis is the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
