Well, it’s that time of year again – ASUO general elections. And as always, failed candidates are making their endorsements for the executive ticket who finished second in the primary elections. I have a great deal of sympathy for these endorsers, since I’ve twice been in their shoes. It’s tough losing an election, and the first instinct in the midst of that loss is to endorse the underdog. If you don’t believe me, look at the history of ASUO elections. I myself finished in third place and endorsed Adam Walsh and Kyla Coy in 2005, and after another third-place finish endorsed Todd Mann and Jontae Grace in the 2006 ASUO general election. The first time my tactic worked, the second time it didn’t. However, that is irrelevant. But I think it is important to look at the underlying motivation for endorsing the underdog. When surrounded by loss, a former candidate feels the necessity to help another candidate win and thus avenge their previous failure. This cannot be achieved by signing on to the front-running ticket since the former candidate does not feel the great sense of pride associated with being the “deciding factor” in the campaign. Thus, failed candidates endorse the second-place ticket. Therefore, I think it is important for students to recognize this, and base their vote on the merits. Sara Hamilton and Athan Papailiou are the only executive ticket in recent history to receive the endorsement of both the Oregon Commentator and the Oregon Daily Emerald, a very impressive feat that speaks both to their past experience and promise for future leadership. So I ask you first to vote this week, and second to not base your vote off of endorsements of failed campaigns and mudslinging. Talk to all of the candidates, and use that as the basis of your vote.
Jacob Daniels
ASUO Senator, 2006 IFC President