Specials

The Honorable Gino Bucchino, outgoing member of the Italian Parliament was just re-elected to the House of Deputies with the Democratic Party in the North and Central American district with 14,762 votes.

We asked him for a brief comment on the results and any observations about his political campaign.

Any comments, Hon. Bucchino?

“It was a fantastic result; the 14,762 votes represent an exceptional accomplishment.”

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Una "Bicamerale" bipartisan per gli italiani all'estero. Intervista a Gino Bucchino, eletto nel Nordamerica

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Seeing the general result of the political election and the clear majority of the center-right, do you think that it will be more difficult to get anything accomplished?

“No, it will be easier, first because we are not afraid of that part of the government with respect to the Italians abroad. They know that they cannot influence their majority in any way. They will allow us to work freely; we will work together in a bi-partisan way, and we, the representatives who were elected abroad, will unite – whether from the political right or the left. Therefore, I believe that because the issues are in the best interest of the common good, we will make progress. There is no danger – we are separated ideologically on the larger issues, on civil rights, on Europe, on immigration, but as far as emigration is concerned we are all united. We have great potential and at this point we have already gone through the first two years, and I am certain that we will not make the same mistakes of youth. We will come together immediately!”

The Democratic Party was not successful in electing any representatives in the United States. Is there anything that you would like to say to the voters who reside in the U.S.?

“Our district is divided between countries. The fact that I was elected in Canada does not mean that I have nothing to do with the rest of the district. It would be as if a representative elected in Rome would have nothing to do with Calabria! The U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the other 19 countries in the district will operate on the same level. The United States and North America have a representative to the House, and his name is Gino Bucchino.”

How did you organize your election campaign in such a vast area? Did you have a political advisor or a campaign manager? Did your party in Italy give you any type of support?

“The campaign was very much conducted in the ‘first person,’ travelling as much as possible, at least in the areas where there is a high concentration of Italians and also where there are supporters who are active in our party.”

Did you rely heavily on technology? Do you think that the Internet could be the best way to effectively campaign in a district that is so large?

“Let’s say that the Internet is one of the most important means that we cannot do without, especially today. This time it was used in a different way than two years ago, in fact in these two years there has been a strong technological advancement and a large increase in the number of users. It should not be forgotten, however, that the great majority of our citizens abroad are still first or second generation Italians and do not go online. It is nevertheless true that there is a computer with an Internet connection in most homes and their sons and daughters can discuss and spread the message. If this electoral system continues, as far as the vote abroad is concerned, in time the ‘Net will become the primary means of communication.”

Do you have a staff which helped you during your campaign?

“I have my staff which helped me not only during the campaign, but also while parliament is in session. I have two full-time assistants in Italy and one person here in my area, in Canada.”

Do you have anyone in particular to thank – perhaps for pledging votes, raising funds, or producing events? How many public events did you attend? What role did RAI and television play in your campaign?

“In terms of pledging funds, absolutely no; there was not, as far as I am concerned, any type of fundraising by the party. There was only one person who supported my campaign with a donation of $400. Other individuals, who were involved in the community and trust the work that I have done with the party, mobilized supporters but not to collect votes. I don’t like the verb ‘collect,’ but rather to ‘spread my message.’ RAI International was helpful for the little that it could do. We recorded some programs in Italy, but the candidates had to travel at their own expense to participate. I would say that this situation leaves much to be desired, despite RAI International’s adequate efforts and funds. I would also say that the debates, in which I participated on various trips, played a significant role in my campaign, specifically the direct contact with the community and the material that we sent via mail and the Internet.”

How do you think the community responded to your political agenda this time? What have you done for your voters during your first term?

“I am the outgoing candidate and they recognize me for the work that I have done. The further deduction of the ICI is something that I ‘brought home’ through a financial amendment, with a letter directly addressed to Padoa Schioppa. I succeeded in obtaining this result for the Italians abroad who have a house in Italy which is not rented. Then there are other accomplishments such as the family deductions and the acknowledgement of the fourteenth. The satisfaction is there, it is tangible, but above all the most important thing for Italians abroad is to be viewed equally and on the same level as Italians living in the homeland. This is something that the other governments have conveniently forgotten.”

Have you focused more on local voters or did you turn to voters outside your own area?

“This time I turned mostly to the people in my residential area in Toronto, Canada. Here I have an established base of support – people recognize me, they see me, they know who I am. I conducted a large campaign in the United States this time.”

How important was the fact that you were born in a region like Calabria with a large presence in North America? Did your compatriots support you?

“I certainly know that the regional identity is very important, and my compatriots are supportive of their fellow countrymen with their political alliances. I definitely received a lot of support from the Calabrians.”

Do you have any particular reaction to this campaign?

“The extremely brief period of time. To travel around and cover such a vast area is untenable. Something must be done, perhaps review the distribution of the voting districts as well. It is too difficult to campaign under these conditions”.

 (Translated by Giulia Prestia)