In a guest commentary submitted to The Register-Guard, ASUO Vice President Nick McCain wrote that the student-led EMU Task Force sought the outside campaign assistance that has recently been derided in the media, in order to promote a “yes” vote in the fall’s EMU referendum.
A report from RBI Strategies and Research dated to July 30 was made public recently, which included several campaign planks several found unsavory. Among which were calling opponents of the EMU referendum “stubborn, … politically active and engaged,” and using a large budget of things like t-shirts and drawstring backpacks to attract voters.
On Aug. 20, the Oregonian reported that University leaders admitted that aiding the hire was in error.
“Students and others were correct and appropriate in raising this as a concern,” wrote Robin Holmes, University vice president for student affairs, to Oregon University System Chancellor George Pernsteiner. “We will be talking with our student leaders about how to address the board’s concerns.”
Released Saturday on the RG, McCain’s letter attempts to explain some of the thinking the Task Force went through in planning their campaign. The group met earlier this summer to discuss its plans for the future, with many points McCain made being raised then.
“The group kept going back to the importance of educating students on the project if the group is to have a successful campaign,” the Emerald reported in June.
“In an attempt to further educate our peers, increase voter turnout, and combat voter apathy, we decided to explore innovative and creative marketing strategies,” McCain wrote.