Don Raihala
Construction contractor
Republican
Superior
Elected Experience
None
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters send you to congress?
Voters should send me to Congress because I'm the only unifying choice to represent them. I am the only candidate to have gone door to door collecting over 1,100 signatures from both Republicans and Democrats. These people decided that they can trust someone that's willing to make that effort to represent their voices in congress. We're not going to agree on some issues, but I have promised that if elected I will visit each county at least five times, and provide daily updates on what is occurring in Washington, D.C., in an interesting and somewhat entertaining way. My desire is to keep people factually informed, engaged and interested in how the federal government is trying to make this country better for all Americans.
What is the top issue in your district? How would you address it?
I don't think there's just one federal issue on people's mind. What people talked about, as I was gathering my 1,100 nomination signatures, were issues regarding Immigration/ICE, high gas prices and the Epstein files. While many large components of these particular issues are out of control of congress, what was interesting was the overwhelming majority that I came across were in support of illegal immigration deportations to continue and the complete release of the Epstein files. If I'm elected to Congress, I will not ignore their unified viewpoints. Especially the complete release of the Epstein files as literally everyone, both Republicans and Democrats, want this to happen.
What expertise would you bring into congress? How would it help your district?
As a degreed accountant with a work experience in accounting, purchasing, and project management, I possess a keen eye for details and accuracy on were the money is flowing which will be very useful in this era of massive uncovered fraud being exposed almost daily. I also have built over 20 houses as a construction contractor and am currently planning a friend's build this summer. I will be doing several videos in regards to the 'housing crisis' on my Facebook page doing a deep dive in comparing this current home with the one I built during COVID. I believe the facts will be revealing and hopefully if I win I can land on a congressional committee that's willing to do something about the housing crisis.
Should Congress exert more oversight over the president? Why or why not?
No. Congress already has the funding authority to limit the president's actions and agenda. If congress had power to micro-manage the executive branch, then nothing would get done especially if there were opposing political ideologies and majorities.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
At the turn of the 20th century, Superior Wisconsin had the highest bar/tavern to citizen ratio in the country of 100 citizens to each licensed bar. This was largely due to the maritime ship building industry and its direct access to Lake Superior. Some say it exceeded a ratio of 50-to-1 if you were to include the illegal and hidden speakeasies and houses of prostitution. Definitely something not to be proud of, but it is history.