With the 2009 Student Government Association Senate Election season now upon us, KnightNews.com is leading the way with exclusive analysis, commentary and coverage of what appears will be a very heated race.
For the first time, a campus news source is bringing in a former SGA senator, with plenty of sources and inside knowledge, to provide historic depth and detail through analysis and commentary of what’s really happening in the race to control the SGA senate — and the more than $14 million of your money in Activity and Service Fees.
Our political analysts are free to share opinions and insight in their columns, however, our news reporters covering the elections are not, and must remain completely unbiased.
Newly named KnightNews.com political analyst and former Sen. Tommy Oreste kicks off our 2009 SGA Senate Race coverage with this exclusive analysis:
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When the dawn breaks and the polls open for UCF’s student Senate elections this fall, one thing is for certain: there will be at least two major tickets battling for control of arguably the most influential and representative branch of Student Government.
If past experience has taught us anything, it is also likely that there may be at least one, if not more, smaller tickets that usually distinguish themselves either by college, or by ideology, as is commonly the case with the Progressive ticket.
For those of you who remember the Presidential elections from last Spring, it appears as though many of this Fall’s election participants have chosen similar sides yet again
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Brian Peterson and Andrick Lewis were elected in a highly competitive and intensely fought election defeating Andrew Stein and Chase Peckham.
Among the many student senators who supported Peterson and Andrick was the current incumbent Speaker of the Senate Patrick Stauffer.
Stauffer, as well as other members of student government have organized a ticket that appears to include himself, as well as current Senate Pro Tempore Josh Miller and several other incumbent Senators.
The Speaker position is highly coveted, not to mention quite well-paid, so it is not a surprise that Stauffer is looking to get his job back. Often times the ticket that wins the majority of the seats, has the ability to elect the Senate leadership, as is the case in all levels of government with a two-party system.
However, it will not be a walk in the park for Stauffer’s ticket to win a majority of the seats this Fall.
It appears as though the formation of a predominantly Greek ticket, with members who were supportive of Stein and Peckham in the most recent presidential election, may be a major obstacle for the incumbent speaker to overcome. Stein, now a KnightNews.com entertainment reporter, says he is not running in this race.
As for the Greeks, it was not long ago when they had a stronghold on Student Government, and it appears as if they are looking to regain some of that prominence this year.
This ticket also appears to have the support and experience of numerous Student Government veterans, including former Sen. Jereme Pozin.
Every year there are Greeks spread throughout the different tickets because the support of their respective organizations makes them great running mates. If they all stand together this year, the status quo could be overthrown and an entirely new 42nd student Senate and leadership could emerge.
Regardless of the outcome of this fall’s election, there is no doubt that it will be hotly contested. Pizza will be bountiful, laptops and tables will be at the entrance to every building and campaigners will nag you to vote every chance they get.
Look forward to Senate elections 2009 as they should be quite the scene!
Our exclusive analysis at KnightNews.com will continue over the next few days with more depth and detail about this election.
Stay tuned for updates.
