The University will soon wave goodbye to Regent Deane Baker (R-Ann Arbor), who has served 24 years and worked with three University presidents.
The outspokenly conservative three-term regent was swept out of the board by the coattails of victories by President Clinton and U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) Tuesday night.
Two Democrats, Olivia Maynard and S. Martin Taylor, secured the open spots in a race that was too close to call early yesterday morning. As of yesterday afternoon, with 98 percent of the votes tabulated, it was reported that Maynard and Taylor had captured 27 percent and 25 percent of the vote, respectively.
Baker, who was seeking his fourth term, drew 23 percent of the vote, with fellow Republican and University alum Mike Bishop trailing closely behind with 21 percent of the vote.
"I feel very gratified to have served the University for 24 years," Baker said yesterday. "It is an institution that is respected worldwide and to serve on its governance board is not an honor everyone has."
Two of the eight seats on the board were up for contention: Baker's and one vacated by Regent Nellie Varner (D-Detroit), who announced last year that she would not seek a third term as regent.
A regent's term lasts for eight years.
"In Baker and Varner, we will lose two people who between them have 40 years of experience," said Walter Harrison, vice president for University relations. "We'll miss that experience and dedication."
Baker, who said he was not surprised by the loss, attributed a poor Republican showing at the booths Tuesday as a main factor in his defeat.
"I think many Republicans stayed away from the polls and a lot of the Democrats came to the polls," Baker said. "Most of these people voted straight-ticket and it was impossible to avoid that hurricane of votes."
University administrators and other regents met the news of Baker's loss with praise for his service, but at the same time, many felt it was time for a change of guard on the board.
"Regent Baker has served the University and he has served it well," said James Duderstadt, former University president. "Perhaps after 24 years, it's time to let someone else serve.
"Sooner or later, all things will come to an end."
"I'll miss Deane for the institutional memory he provides," said Regent Daniel Horning (R-Grand Haven). "I have all the admiration in the world for him for having served for so long."
John Truscott, spokesperson for Republican Gov. John Engler, said that although the governor had criticized Baker in the past for his role in Duderstadt's resignation, Engler still supported Baker's campaign.
"We supported Deane Baker over the Democrats, but the governor has always said it's good to have new blood," Truscott said.
Psychology Prof. Louis D'Alecy agreed that the board would benefit from fresh views.
"Over the last 24 years, (Baker) did a lot of good things," D'Alecy said. "He was a strong voice for the University, especially for certain positions."
The addition of two Democrats to the board shifts the partisan affiliation in their favor. Currently, the board is evenly divided between four Republicans and four Democrats. Of the four Republicans who serve on the current board, Baker is the only outspoken conservative, opposing the Code of Student Conduct and voting against providing health benefits to same-sex couples.
The last time the party alliance was in favor of the Democratic party was in 1994, when six Democrats occupied seats on the board.
Regents said however, that party affiliation is irrelevant when making decisions affecting the University.
"I cannot think of any issue in four years where we had a split among partisan lines," said Regent Rebecca McGowan (D-Ann Arbor). "I think what people do when they're elected is they move from being partisan. Their responsibility is to members of the University community."
Horning agreed, saying that although the shift matters, the politics of the 5-3 board should not have a detrimental effect on the board.
"There are five Democrats and three Republicans, but there better be eight people who want the best for the University," Horning said. "We have to keep our sight on the University, whoever is sitting on the board."
Duderstadt, who presided over the last Democratic board, said it was easier to work with the 6-2 board.
"Some aspects in the dynamics of the 6-2 board were easier because it was usually easier to identify the point leader of the board, when you have one party to caucus and select that person" Duderstadt said.
Baker said one of the things that gives him satisfaction is knowing that he represented a conservative view that is not always recognized on campus.
"Scores of young people have told me they appreciate the presence of an individual who represents the conservative view," Baker said.
Baker said he would not seek another term as regent in future elections, but he would be available for service to the University if he was asked.
irrelevant when making decisions affecting the University.
"I cannot think of any issue in four years where we had a split among partisan lines," said Regent Rebecca McGowan (D-Ann Arbor). "I think what people do when they're elected is they move from being partisan. Their responsibility is to members of the University community."
Horning agreed, saying that although the shift matters, the politics of the 5-3 board should not have a detrimental effect.
"There are five Democrats and three Republicans, but there better be eight people who want the best for the University," Horning said. "We have to keep our sight on the University, whoever is sitting on the board."
Duderstadt, who presided over the last Democratic board, said it was easier to work with the 6-2 board.
"Some aspects in the dynamics of the 6-2 board were easier because it was usually easier to identify the point leader of the board, when you have one party to caucus and select that person," Duderstadt said.
Baker said one of the things that gives him satisfaction is knowing that he represented a conservative view that is not always recognized on campus.
"Scores of young people have told me they appreciate the presence of an individual who represents the conservative view," Baker said.
Baker said he would not seek another term as regent in future elections, but he would be available for service to the University if he were asked.