Even as the hearing ended Tuesday evening with a 7 to 1 vote in favor of a major violation against SGA Sen. William Lusk, there are still many questions surrounding the incident, especially what will happen next.
Amongst all the uncertainty, though, KnightNews.com was able to speak to a few people and clear up a few things.
KnightNews.com was able to get in touch with Senator Lusk, who declined comment at this time. We respectfully acknowledge his decision, and we hope to speak with him in a couple days, when he can release a statement for his plan of action.
He did not confirm or deny whether he would appeal the decision. However, if a senator is charged with a major violation, he or she would be disqualified as a candidate and any votes would not count. It is also important to note, though, that this violation would not affect Senator Lusk’s current sitting in Senate.
We are also hearing from Sen. Casey Jo Cooper for the first time in a statement just released to KnightNews.com, defending why she filed the violation against Lusk.
“As a senator for SGA it was my obligation to turn in possible corruption,” Cooper wrote. “I take great pride in maintaining the trust of our student body. They elected me to represent them and to do the right thing. Looking the other way would not have been doing the right thing and would have also violated my value system. Our generation must take a stand against unethical political activities.”
At the hearing, there were eight commissioners present, and KnightNews.com is working to speak with one of them for an official statement. We do know, however, that the focal point of the hearing was to determine if there was bribery based on the recording.
KnightNews.com was also able to speak with Christina Aiuto, who is the Chairwoman of the College Republicans. For now, she declined any comment about the actual situation for the club’s best interest. However, she did say that if any members of the College Republicans make a comment, it is “not a reflection of the executive board’s opinion”.
KnightNews.com would also like to note that, in no way, is the Unite Ticket connected with the violation against Senator Lusk.
We are still working to speak with those present at the hearing, so check back for updates.
