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BASTA PINOY! NEWS 

ONE on ONE
with ED OCAMPO ANDERSON
Filipino-American candidate for 
Florida House of Representatives, District 3 (R)

BPN: Before your candidacy for Florida State House of Representatives, District 3 (R), have you been involved with Asian-American communities? How
about the Filipino-American community? Should they support your candidacy because you are one of them?

Anderson: Before I decided to run for a public office, I traveled around the world getting involved in Philanthropic work in such places as Cambodia. In 1996, I led a team of contractors and medical personnel into Phnom Penh and distributed clothes and food. We were also responsible for building housing and establishing a Christian clinic. As far as the Filipino-American Community, my family has been long involved in the various Fil-Am communities in the west coast.

One of the attributes that we as Filipino's revel in is the fact that we assimilate easily into our society. However, we are not represented in Government. My candidacy is important because its the first step towards assimilating into the Government levels of our country. I think when the Filipino-American communities realize that we have a good chance at
accomplishing this, than they will be able to see this campaign like a cause for all Filipino-Americans. For this reason, the Filipino-American community shoulder involved.


BPN:  You have been behind closed doors with Republican leaders before you decided to run for public office. Take us into one of those meetings and
tell us candidly what was said.

Anderson: Well, quite frankly, the Republican insiders don't know exactly what to make of my campaign because of the support from the community. My first meeting was at an Olive Garden where I had lunch with the Campaign Manager and Office Manager to Congressman Scarborough. We talked over numerous issues ranging from the environment to gun control.

That first meeting went very well and a week later, the Legislative Aide to Congressman Scarborough flew back from Washington to ask of me my position
on China Trade Agreements. To make a long story short, I was asked to throw my hat into this race because of my knowledge of the issues and the
comprehensive plans that I have regarding economic development and education. I took a week to pray about it and talk to my wife and family, then after my first speech to the Republican Executive Committee, many insiders knew that my candidacy was legitimate.

BPN:  You mentioned you strongly feel you will top the primaries. When you do so, how do you, as a Republican candidate, intend to win in a Democrat
district?

Anderson: I can win the primary with the financial assistance from the community in District 3 and my Fil-Am family around the state and nation.
But the real challenge comes after the primary. 

I was told by Al Cardenas, the State Republican party chairman, that funds will be given to help me win
the general election. I am hoping for this. As far as votes, I am already working with 40 ministers in the African-American community that represent a
large block of democrat voters. 

Because I am already working to bring better jobs into the community now, they are organizing their churches to get their people out to vote for me on November 8. Interestingly, half of the petition cards that I was required to obtain in order to qualify came from democrats. The real strength of my campaign comes from the fact that my platform issues are non-partisan.

BPN: What are the factors in this race? What significant issues matter?

Anderson: The factors in my race is the ability to get my name out in the public using media, grassroots strategies, print media, and signs. The significant
issues revolve around economic development, education and consistent teamwork. The great thing is that the community know these are significant
issues.

BPN: What kind of support do you expect from the Asian-American community? Is money the only thing that's going to make a difference here? What support
have you received so far?

Anderson: I hope that the support from the Asian-American community will be more than positive, but overwhelming. As I see it, an
Asian-American breaking down the doors in the south is like opening the gateway for others who follow and its a continuing fulfillment of the dream first fought for by Martin Luther King, Jr. We still have a long way to go, but we are marching forward. What will make a difference is community involvement by the Asian-American community. 

No money can ever replace a dedicated and reliable volunteer. So far I have received tremendous support
from individuals all over the state such as Tampa and Miami, but we are still organizing. Now that my race has been brought to the attention of the Asian-American communities in the state, I hope to see a rise in contributions, prayers, and involvement.

Joel, one thing that I need to say is that what our people and fellow citizens have not discerned is that in helping to advance the work and cause in other areas, they would be helping the cause at home. 

That which is given to start the work in one area, will result in strengthening the work in other places.

Many individuals feel that my race is not close to home and they don't know me; however, after I win this race, I will represent them as a Florida State
Representative and they would realize that I am actually one of them - For the elders, I am like one of their grandkids; for my contemporaries, I am
like one of them; for the young, I am like one of their Kuya's!

BPN: What programs do you plan for the youth? For the elders?

Anderson: Using the influence of the position, I would like to be a spokesperson for all Asian-American concerns such as elderly concerns, Military benefits and business tax incentives (Most Filipino's in Florida
are either retired or military or business owners!) As far as youth concerns, my Campaign Office Manager - an extremely important position - is a Fil-Am youth interning with me while she completes her Senior year in high school. Many of the Fil-Am youth are involved in one way or another in my campaign as they work together with their parents. I want to motivate the next generation of Filipino-American's to get educated and involved in the political process. I am very interested in continuing to do this even after
the election - no matter what the outcome.

Thank you Joel.

Those interested in getting more information about Mr. Ed Ocampo Anderson can contact: 

Ed Ocampo Anderson (R), Candidate for Florida, State House of Representatives, District 3
P.O. Box 1451, Pensacola, FL 32597
(850) 982-2234, (850) 406-5332

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