Robert Earl Anderson, July 20, 1945 -
VP candidate for National Independent Candidates (aka Independent aka Pollution Solution Party) (1988)
Running mate with nominee: Isabell Masters (1913-2011)
Popular vote: 0 (0.00%)
Electoral vote: 0/538
The campaign:
Robert Earl Anderson had filed with the FEC as a Presidential candidate. Known locally in Magna, Utah as "Mr. Dirt," he was running under the Pollution Solution Party banner. He made a living sculpting wooden business signs, and when he wasn't doing that he was picketing the Salt Lake County dump to raise awareness about recycling and waste.
In July 1988 he hosted the National Independent Candidates Convention in Park City, Utah. Anderson had sent invitations to over 300 declared third party, independent, and little-known Republicans and Democrats running for President.
Only about a dozen candidates showed up, including Mary Jane Rachner, Tom Woods, Roger Craft, Irvin James Guenther, Louie G. Youngkeit, Beatrice Mooney, and Isabell Masters.
Although it wasn't entirely clear in earlier news accounts, apparently Anderson had expected the Convention to act as an umbrella party and everyone would get behind one person for President. But that was not the case. However two attendees did drop their Presidential bids and decided to back Isabell Masters. Anderson nominated himself as her running-mate. Other than Anderson, Guenther decided to drop out of the race as well and also endorsed Masters.
Anderson told the media that he had taken a long evening walk and the Holy Spirit instructed him to back Masters and then assist her by acting as the Vice-Presidential nominee. "That woman will be President," he told the Convention, "The reason I wasn't selected as the Presidential candidate is because I'm not mature enough."
"Isabell Masters," he said, "is a grandmother, she is a mother, she's not an ego-tripper like a lot of people. That lady's got more love in her little finger than most other candidates have in their whole bodies. I have found the lady that will bring our nation back."
1988 was Masters' second run for the Presidency. The educator and evangelist began the 1988 election year by running in the Republican primaries. Claiming God had inspired to run, her slogan was the cryptic "Integrated Biscuits." She explained this meant people of all cultures need to eat. She was against nuclear power plants and seemed to be in agreement with Anderson concerning ecological issues.
From what I can ascertain, the Masters/Anderson ticket pretty much began and ended in July 1988, although one account reported they planned to forge ahead as Republicans. Masters did receive a smattering of write-in votes in the general election.
As for Anderson, he told the press, "I'll never hold another convention like that again. Unfortunately, it attracted a few weird people, and all were unwilling to compromise on anything."
Election history:
1988 - US President (Pollution Solution Party) - withdrew
Other occupations: sculptor, ecologist
Notes:
Mormon.
