What’s happening with Raj?

This has been written about before, but since he’s now made his official announcement Monday, it’s time to take a look at Raj Bhakta, candidate for Congress in the 13th District, which sort of runs along PA-13 from Northeast Philly to the ‘Burbs.

If you didn’t know, Bhakta was a contestant on the second season of The Apprentice. Since then, he’s, uhh, well he hasn’t been on any other reality shows, so that means he’s one of the most successful reality-show losers of all time already.

The 29-year-old bow-tie clad Bhakta is a local(ish) boy, a graduate of the Hill School and has been working for a real estate firm in Fort Washington. His official website also notes that his Apprentice appearance made him “[k]nown for his witty discourse and entertaining personality” and that “he made a memorable impression on the American public.” Whatever you say, buddy.

He fancies himself a “Theodore Roosevelt Republican,” which apparently means he speaks softly, carries a big stick, drives the Boulevard — named after Teddy, not FDR — often and hunts wild big game in his spare time. Oh, and he’ll box if elected to office.

Looking at his issues page, he mentions none of that, but he does say that in his first 100 days in congress, he’ll introduce a bill getting rid of pensions for congressmen convicted of a crime. He’s pro-environment — I think this is what he means by Teddy Roosevelt Republican — and he’s also against a government-controlled health care system.

Also, he’s for a strong economy, senior citizens, national security and veterans. And for puppies and babies and law and order and mandatory ordering of Season 2 of The Apprentice on DVD.

He’ll be running against Allyson Schwartz in the November election, as it looks like no other Republicans will be running. Let’s hope he flirts with her like he did Donald’s secretary after he was fired from the show.

Oh, yeah, and here’s a photo from Bakhta’s website that will surely propel him to victory:

Raj for Congress
‘Apprentice’ Contestant Announces Bid for Congress [KYW 1060]
Theodore Roosevelt - Presidency 1901 - 1904 [Wikipedia]
Sept. 29: Northeast Philly’s version of a celebrity candidate