Kelly Clarkson may be a country star in denial, but last night on Twitter, she proudly declared herself to be a Republican backing the man who may triumph next month in the Iowa caucuses. “I love Ron Paul,†she wrote. “I liked him a lot during the last republican nomination and no one gave him a chance. If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he’s got my vote.†Though her endorsement prompted fellow chanteuse Michelle Branch to also out herself as a Paul fan, Clarkson’s followers quickly brought up the controversy surrounding Paul’s recently unearthed newsletter statements, and the singer clarified, “I have never heard that he’s a racist? I definitely don’t agree with racism, that’s ignorant … I love all people and could care less if you like men or women. I have never heard that Ron Paul is a racist or homophobe?†Ultimately, wrote Clarkson, “I do not support racism. I support gay rights, straight rights, women’s rights, men’s rights, white/black/purple/orange rights. I like Ron Paul because he believes in less government and letting the people (all of us) make the decisions and mold our country. That is all.†Justin Guarini, care to weigh in?