Raj Peter Bhakta (born 1975) is an American entrepreneur, spirits industry executive, real estate investor and former media and political personality. In 2004, Bhakta was a contestant on the second season of the reality show The Apprentice. He is also the founder of WhistlePig whiskey, a premium whiskey company. In 2006, he campaigned for a seat in the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 13th district as a Republican, but lost to incumbent Democrat Allyson Schwartz. Early life and education Born to a Gujarati, Indian father from Kathor, near Surat, Gujarat, and an Irish mother, Bhakta moved from Oxford Circle, Philadelphia to Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, where he grew up. After graduating from The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Bhakta earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College in Economics and History with a concentration in Finance in 1998. Career Business Bhakta began his career working at the investment banking firm of Violy & Co. in New York City. Bhakta then founded Automovia, a technology startup specializing in the valuation of pre-owned vehicles. Thereafter, he led the Apex Vail condominium development project in Vail, Colorado. The Apprentice In the fall of 2004, Bhakta appeared on the second season of the business reality television show, The Apprentice. On the show, Bhakta propositioned Anna Kournikova and Donald Trump's assistant to go out with him on dates, and was fired by Trump on the ninth week of the show. His relationships with women became fodder for gossip columns such as New York Post'''s Page Six, and his frequent wearing of bow ties was credited with a surge in bow tie sales. Political engagement and commentary After appearing on The Apprentice, Bhakta advocated Social Security reform in meetings with Congressional leadership. Bhakta was also a guest on MSNBC and Fox News and appeared on CNN's Crossfire. 2006 Congressional campaign With the support of Thomas J. Ellis, the Republican chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, he sought and won the Republican nomination for the 13th congressional district. In the general election, Bhakta lost to incumbent Democrat Allyson Schwartz by more than 30 points. Bhakta's campaign generated significant national media attention as a consequence of Bhakta's background on The Apprentice, his attention-getting campaign maneuvers, and his reputation as a playboy. During the campaign, Bhakta's judgment and fitness to lead were called into question as a result of his having been arrested twice, in