Jeff Anderson has made his candidacy for the Minnesota Legislature official.

The Austin native filed for the Minnesota House of Representatives today.

Anderson, a Republican, is seeking the seat currently held by State Rep. Rob Leighton, an Austin DFLer.

Anderson won the GOP Party's endorsement and will run against Jeanne Poppe, an Austin City Council member, who received the DFL Party's endorsement.

While signing on the dotted line today at the Minnesota Secretary of State's office, Anderson stated his campaign will focus on the rural economy, education issues and affordable health care.

"Our rural economy us based on the ability to get our products to and from the markets," Anderson said.

"We need a transportation policy that gives rural

Minnesota what we need to be successful. That begins with roads and bridges."

"The future of our communities is the children in our education system," Anderson said "Through changes in educating funding and policies, Minnesota's education can be made even better,."

Anderson said he is also concerned about the cost of health care.

"The high cost of health care is hurting our seniors, families, workers, farmers and businesses alike," he said."My goal is to initiate cost saving measures that make living healthy affordable."

Anderson is a life-long resident of Austin and teaches American government and economics csx at Austin High School.

He and his wife, Heidi, have four children and live in northwest Austin.

Two years ago, Anderson unsuccessfully attempted to unseat Leighton for the Hosyue District 27B saeat.

The filing deadline for all elective offices in Minnesota is 5 p. . Tuesday.