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A political campaign is being waged in Jackson Heights for a democratic position that represents more people than any U.S. Congressman.

Several Queens residents are running for a seat in Colombia’s legislature, representative from the exterior, which speaks for all of the country’s 4 million émigrés around the world.

The United States holds the largest Colombian population outside the country itself, with the main concentrations in Miami and New York. Western Queens, home to most Colombians in the city, will be an important battleground for several neighborhood leaders vying for the post – restaurants and signposts are littered with flyers pitching different candidates.

One of those candidates, Jairo Casas, has practiced medicine in Jackson Heights for the last 25 years, but these days his office is dressed up with signs and banners like a typical political headquarters. Casas, a community activist and former City Council candidate, appears to be running formidable campaign, which includes a Web site and over 25 volunteers working on his election.

Casas possesses a unique advantage over his competitors as the host of a morning radio show that reaches 18 states. While the four-hour program usually dispenses information and advice about alternative medicine, recently Casas has designated one hour where he stumps for his political aspirations.

“I have been in the heart of Colombian community for past 25 years,” Casas said. “Everyone knows who I am. Ask them about Dr. Casas, and they will tell me who I am.”

Rafael Castear, an owner of a Jackson Heights bridal shop, said he could spend between $40,000 and $50,000 on his election campaign, according to the New York Sun.

Humberto Suarezmotta, a former state Senate candidate, said he does not have the money to run an elaborate campaign like some other candidates because he does not accept contributions from special groups. But that has not stopped him from running a grassroots campaign, working the phones, posting on the Internet and handing out flyers.

The election will take place March 12. Only Colombian citizens outside the country can cast votes, which are collected at the country’s Consulates and satellite offices. When the position was first created, Colombian residents also voted, but officials decided that provincial ballots could skew the election.

The candidates interviewed for this story avoided negative comments about their competitors, instead focusing on their own qualifications. There was also surprising consensus about the issues that needed to be addressed: developing a policy about illegal immigrants; fostering economic corporation between the United State and Colombia; and providing more opportunities for Colombian professionals.

“A few of my friends are running for the same position. Everybody is well prepared,” Suarezmotta said. “Colombia deserves the best one in the government, that’s the main thing. It’s important for both communities.”

In the days leading up to the election, Casas plans to walk around the neighborhood and shake hands with residents and ask for votes. Although he recognizes it will be a difficult task if he wins the election, he will tell people he’s up to it.

“It won’t be easy in a congress with 165 members. I am going to go there and it will be hard for me,” he said. “But I have a lot of techniques to use and get the job done.”