MSA candidates campaign, meet students on Diag

MSA hopefuls think personal touch will enhance election

By Kristin Wright
Daily Staff Reporter

Names and campaign platforms were matched with faces yesterday afternoon on the Diag when students met face to face with Michigan Student Assembly candidates.

"I think people have to be able to associate names with faces," said New Frontier Party vice presidential candidate Michael Enright. "It's more of a substantial exchange out here. You really don't get to say much on the posters, and it's a really good way of campaigning."

NATHAN RUFFER/Daily Sarah Chopp, Students' Party vice presidential candidate for the Michigan Student Assembly, campaigns yesterday on the Diag.

Students were invited to join candidates on the Diag to discuss both individual student concerns and candidate platforms. Candidates distributed fliers to students detailing their individual plans for future MSA's role in the University.

Students' Party presidential candidate Trent Thompson said the event was a great way to reach out to students.

"This was an excellent thing because you do get to tell people what your issues are and what you want to do," Thompson said. "The difference between the serious candidates and the candidates that aren't serious is speaking to students and letting them know what you want to do to change things."

Students walking across the Diag on the way to and from noon classes were approached by liaisons and asked if they wanted to meet MSA candidates to talk about ideas and concerns.

LSA sophomore Andrea Lamothe said the meet-the-candidates event has made her take a greater interest in the upcoming elections.

"I didn't really know much about the elections coming up, or the candidates," said Lamothe. "But after talking with a few of them, I think I may take the time to vote."

Independent candidate Vikram Sarma said the most important thing candidates can do is educate voters on the campaign's issues. Sarma is running for an LSA representative seat on the assembly.

"Voting is an important thing. That's what elections are all about - taking the time to learn," Sarma said. "There's a great list of candidates. I just believe in working hard and educating. That's what I believe MSA is all about."

LSA junior Mark St. John said the candidates listened to him discuss his concerns about the new Information Technology Division billing system.

Independent presidential candidate Ryan Friedrichs said the event allowed students to match his slate's accomplishments with their faces.

"This is what wins - it's people putting a face to a name," said Friedrichs. "Our major advantage in this race is what we've accomplished. One of the best parts of today is connecting the projects and the names to the faces. That's what wins."

Friedrichs' runningmate, LSA first-year student Albert Garcia, said he agreed that personal contact between candidates and voters is crucial.

"Some of (the students) are a little hesitant at first, but when you start talking to them, they realize that we're serious about our work and realize we're trying to work to improve the student experience here at the University," Garcia said.

"That only happens when candidates take the time to talk to students face to face," he said.

Sarah Chopp, the Students' Party vice-presidential candidate, said the event was helpful to both candidates and students.

"It think it's highly beneficial," Chopp said.

"I think it's beneficial more to the student body than to the candidates because it shows them that there are people out there that are really working to make a difference. That's what I like most about campaigning - meeting people," she said.

WOLV-TV Channel 70 will be airing live presidential and vice- presidential debates today at 5 p.m. WCBN 88.3 F.M. will broadcast the debate at 6 p.m.

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