Donald Raleigh
Republican | Minnesota
Candidate Profile*
Conservative (Conditional)
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Donald Raleigh
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 38A
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
American Military University, Charles Town, WV, BA, 2016
WORK & MILITARY
US Army, Sergeant, 8
US Air Force Aux, CAP, Lieutenant Colonel, 12
AFFILIATIONS
SD 38 Republicans, Vice Chair, NRA
Instructor, USCCA, Instructor
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
Previous Races
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (4)
*Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life PAC
*Minnesota Gun Owners PAC
National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF
OTHER (3)
Minnesota Farm Bureau PAC
*Minnesotans for Affordable Health Insurance
Republican Party of Minnesota
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (6)
Minnesota Police & Peace Officers Association
TRUST VETS
National Rifle Association
The Empowerment Alliance
Farm Bureau PAC
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE*
*Additional information was received after the evaluation was assigned and was not considered in the Panel Evaluations, therefore it is for additional educational purposes only.
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Only under the direct care of a doctor who has admitting privileges and to save the life of the mother. It should be used as a last resort and only as a medical procedure, not as a lifestyle choice. Abortion ends the life of a child. There are situations that make this a medical necessity, but it should be the rare exception.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I do not mean to be flippant with this answer, but: As much as I can. I do not think that it is the role of government to solve every problem. Where possible private industry will find ways to fulfill the wants of society. Where this is not possible, such as the construction of roads and bridges, then the government has a role. I will seek to reduce the government in any way that is feasible and does not put the public in harms way.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Neutral
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
The First Amendment states, in part, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." This means we have freedom of religion, not the establishment of a separation from it. We as a free people are able to believe what we wish, or not, and exercise those beliefs as we choose. This means to me that we as people may believe whatever we choose and the government may not tell us what to believe.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
The answer begins with the creation of an economic environment where hard work and sacrifice is rewarded and the fruits of one's labor may be enjoyed. A prosperous society must protect those that are not able to help themselves, but that does not mean that we should create a state of permanent welfare or a welfare class in our society.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
IMMIGRATION
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Lawful immigration should be allowed. Immigrants who will be able to materially contribute to our country should be welcomed. Those that are able to bring knowledge, skills and the ability to support themselves.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord and personal savior. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for me, and because of His sacrifice I am forgiven. I know that I am a sinner, but a forgiven sinner.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I have not held public office and I do not yet have a voting record.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I served 8 years active duty in the United States Army. I hold a degree in Emergency and Disaster Management (Summa Cum Laude). I have served for the past 12 years in the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol where I hold the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. I have been a park commissioner in Blaine, Minnesota. 18 years ago I founded my company along with my wife of 30 years, Marnie Ochs-Raleigh. I have been blessed with 4 successful children. I have the business and life experiences to be well qualified to be a Minnesota State Representative.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
Distinguished military veteran. Successful business owner. Dedicated community volunteer. Committed family man. Passionate patriot. All these terms define Donald Raleigh, a 25-year resident of the area and Republican endorsed candidate for the State Representative seat in District 38A. Donald embodies the innovative spirit, practical approach, and reasoned voice we need in Minnesota politics. At 18, Donald pledged to serve and protect our Constitution. Eight years of active duty followed, including serving as a Presidential guard to Ronald Reagan. Donald’s commitment to service has continued long after leaving active duty. For 12 years, Donald has volunteered with the Civil Air Patrol, helping to guide and nurture hundreds of young people in our community. As a business owner for over 18 years, Donald knows the challenges our local business communities face daily, as well as the unique issues they are dealing with in the wake of Covid-19. He is the type of community leader we need.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The current laws that remove the right to keep and bare arms due to a felony conviction, or the like, should be enforced. For all other issues on restrictions I would refer the reader to the Second Amendment of the Constitution,"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Neutral
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
Public Safety Elder Care Care of Veterans
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism, in all its forms, is a threat to a free society. When and where it exists it should and must be removed. This should be done by the use of laws, law enforcement and civil dialog, not through the use of terror, riots, and intimidation.
