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

Trumptastic!

Okay, class participation time. Who woke up this morning and said, “You know what this city needs? More condos!” Oh. None of you did? You mean you think the current 15 condo towers under construction — 16 if you count 10 Rittenhouse Square — and 20 delayed or proposed ones aren’t enough? (All those stats courtesy of Phillyskyline’s The Skinny and me counting them up. This doesn’t include townhouse/rowhome-style condos, too.)

Well, you know who did think that? (To get back to my “class participation” metaphor.) That’s right, the purveyor of bankruptcy, bad ideas and bad hair, Mr. Donald Trump! Today, Trump announced his plans to build a 45-story tower of luxury condominums on the waterfront.

According to the Inky, the tower is a $190 million project on Penn St. right at the start of Spring Garden St. (The exact location wasn’t disclosed.) Compared to other waterfront residences, it’d be five stories higher than Waterfront St., which is further north on Penn Street.

Of course, Trump also applied for a casino license in Nicetown (along with Pat Croce and members of Boyz II Men and no, I’m not kidding). But while the slots game in Philly is new, Trump seems to be getting into the condo boom in the city a bit late, especially as all the hype is showing signs of starting to wane. But, really, they could still sell out — Trump said that’s what happened at his 110-story Chicago condo tower. As long as it doesn’t have “TRUMP” in giant letters at the top of it.

Then again, maybe it’s part of a cross-promotional deal. Over at Wookified, the blogger speculates that inevitably the winner of the next Apprentice will make the short trip down to Philly (perhaps NJ Transit-to-SEPTA?) and manage something at the new Trump Tower. Maybe he could then do a crossover with American Dreams, if it hasn’t been cancelled yet?

Trump plans luxury condos [Inky]
The Skinny [Phillyskyline]
The Seal [Wookified]