Randy Raley

Randy Raley was born in Moline, Illinois. He earned a high school diploma from United Township High School. Raley's career experience includes working as a radio host, advertising director, and district manager for AutoTrader.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born to a union steward and a waitress, I was born in Moline and moved to farm in Ava Mo when I was 10. I lived on a working farm until moving back to Moline when I was 15. Going from a Lilly white class of 85 to a class of almost 800 and 30% of the kids did not look like me. That taught me how important it was to get along without fellow a man. After high school I went to work for JI Case in the Quad Cities working my way up to being a union steward myself. I became involved in the radio profession at 20, moved to Kansas City at 23, and to St. Louis in 1985, joining KSHE 95 and spent 13 years doing the afternoon drive time show. After bouncing around a bit, I became the advertising directors for 3 small rural newspapers about 60 miles south of St. Louis. I then became the District Manager for Autotrader.com. I got back into radio and currently have a part time job at a small radio station south of St. Louis. Having worked all of my adult life, I am now on social security and Medicare, wondering how long those entitlements will be around. I live in Highland with a dog and a cat. I have two daughters and a step son, spread from Los Angele to Raleigh North Carolina.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Protect and strengthen family farms. Make broadband available to every residence in the district. Expand crop insurance and disaster options. Make sure farmers are getting a fair price, invest in local farmer's marketsRelease federal funding for infrastructure projects from new water treatment plants, water towers, roads and bridges, etc. More good paying jobs that help lift up the middle classHealthcare. Let's keep hospitals and nursing homes open and funded. Expand local mental health and addiction centers in the district. Better pay for nurses and caregivers.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Equal rights for all. Reproductive rights. Clean energy

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My brother. he did two tours in Viet Nam and was a war hero. he fought hand to hand with the Viet Cong in the jungle for almost 36 hours. he radioed air and ground troops and saved a lot of his men. I would like to follow the example of Jimmy Carter who gave his life to charity up until the day he died.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The West Wing

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty. Transparency. The willingness to compromise for the greater good. The ability to over deliver on promises made to the people in the district. To be a true representation of the district.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

The ability to listen and the ability to communicate. the ability to speak well in front of large crowds. A connection to the district. I share the frustrations of the 15th when it comes to our lack of representation. I will go where the people go and meet them where they are. Iw ill schedule town halls, meetings etc. I am accountable for my actions and feel I can be trusted. My personal values are on display all of the time.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To listen to the needs of the people residing in the district. To draft legislation to benefit the common good. To participate in committees, to vote on legislation. To get district interests served. Working on in case studies for constituents to help navigate red tape. being in touch with constituents, hosting town halls, etc.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I served my family, friends and my country well.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Cuban Missile Crisis. It was the very first time I noticed fear in my parents. You could see the worry on my mom's face. I was 7.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

De tasseling corn at 12. Still the worst job I've ever had. I had it for two years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Lord of the Flies. It prepared me for the actions of people in my future.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Batman

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Addiction. My mother was addicted to alcohol and nicotine at an early age and these genes got passed down, but after a few scares and talking to someone, I am confident where I am today.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

It originates laws, taxes. House members are closer to their constituents. It has a wider range of people from a wider swath of America. Powers to impeach. the house moves at a quicker pace.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes and no. Experience allows better ways to navigate the complexities of Congress. Knowledge of policy and prior relationships help. But, outsiders bring fresh new ideas. Some voters may be weary of lifetime politicians. Experience in the outside world may be as important to bring to the table

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Political division. We are becoming more partisan which makes working on solutions harder. Misinformation. Income inequity and the decline of our rural farming base. Global security and Climate change.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

No. It will be hard to accomplish anything when you have to turn around and think about running again.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I think three terms is quite enough for anyone in Congress.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Robert Kennedy Sr. Barack Obama current would be Melanie Stansbury from New Mexico

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Just the number of stories I've heard about people losing Medicaid in the district and where will they go? where will the nurses, doctors, ENTs and orderlies go for employment if many hospitals close.

Tell us your favorite joke.

If I had a nickel for every time I didn't know what was going on, I would wonder where all of these nickels came from.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

A compromise starts out with what two persons want and a successful compromise allows both parties to get what they need.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The Constitution gives the House the power of the purse for a reason—because it’s the chamber closest to the people. If I’m elected, I’ll use that responsibility to make sure our tax dollars are spent wisely and come back to communities like ours, not just big cities and bureaucracies. Every dollar we approve should be tied to real results: better roads and broadband, support for family farms, good schools, and keeping rural hospitals open. I’ll be a voice for fiscal responsibility and for making sure Washington remembers who they work for—the taxpayers.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Oversight of government. Accountability for abuse and fraud. To fact find and shape laws beneficial to the common good

What committees interest you?

Agricultural, to help set farm prices, rural concerns, conservation. Transportation, our infrastructure is in need of serious help and so does my district. Ways and Means and Space.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe the government should share openly how money is spent. There should be a clear path on how money is collected and spent. Full public exposure. This builds trust between citizens and government