Running for regent is nothing new for Deane Baker.
This November will bring the fourth election for Baker (R-Ann Arbor), who has served as a member of the University Board of Regents for 24 years.
Baker spoke last night about the upcoming election to the campus chapter of the College Republicans, outlining three important issues facing the University.
"The first one is the search for the president," Baker said. "It will set the way the University goes for another decade."
Baker said the board must also confront nationwide changes in health care that directly affect University Hospitals. The third issue is the employment agreements that former University President James Duderstadt made with top officials before he stepped down, Baker said.
"The regents didn't know about it and normally we would have," Baker said.
While Baker talked mostly about those issues, he also told the chapter that they can help both him and the other Republican candidate, Mike Bishop, a 29-year-old Bloomfield Hills attorney.
"The University of Michigan is undergoing a change to be a more conservative University," Baker said at the meeting, which was like a pep rally for the group.
"Anything you can do to help, the party would be pleased," Baker said.
Nicholas Kirk, president of the College Republicans, said he's not worried about Baker's re-election.
"We have utmost confidence in his ability to run a strong race," Kirk said. "We have the confidence in the people of Michigan."
Kirk acknowledged that President Clinton is currently ahead of Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole in the Michigan polls, but said the national election will not affect the regent election.
"Clinton has no bearing on this race because of the strong record of Deane Baker and the fact that he is a trusted candidate," Kirk said.
Kirk said Baker, one of the more vocal board members, will be re-elected because voters recognize his name.
"People respect him for his strong opinions and strong beliefs," Kirk said. "College Republicans really respect that, as do the people of Michigan."
LSA sophomore Jennifer Skomer said she enjoyed listening to Baker.
"He kind of reminds me of my grandfather. He is a genuinely nice guy who thoroughly believes in what he talks about," Skomer said. "I am confident people will see his name and know he has done a great job for the University."
Evan Knott, an LSA sophomore, said it's important that Republican candidates are elected to the board.
"They serve as a check on the overpowering liberal sentiment on campus," Knott said. "It's important to have Republican regents check against going too far to the left."