Issue date: 4/9/07 Section: News

Stephen Fogg - The Battalion Student body president-elect Conner Prochaska celebrates with his supporters after finding out he is a runoff candidate at the conclusion of the first election. Prochaska was announced the winner in the runoff election Friday over fellow runoff candidate, Derek Devine.

In the closest race in Texas A&M record books, Conner Prochaska was announced the winner of the runoff election for 2007-2008 student body president at midnight Thursday in Academic Plaza.

Prochaska received 50.66 percent of 9,232 ballots cast, defeating Derek Devine by 121 votes.

"I'm speechless. It's beyond words," Prochaska said following the announcement. "I go to the best University, and I was elected by the best people - Aggies."

Not only was the SBP race a close one, but it was also one of the largest voter turnouts in recent history.

"I knew they were going to be really close, but what's even more incredible is the number of students who voted," said Frank Barat, speaker of the 59th Student Senate. "Each candidate ran a strong campaign and maintained a presence on campus."

Approximately 100 students gathered in front of the Sul Ross statue to hear the announcement and discuss the results of the election.

"I'm a little disappointed," said Aaron Jennings, a freshman animal science major. "We worked hard for Derek. But Conner is a qualified individual, and he'll do a good job."

"We're ecstatic," said Michelle Jones, a member of Prochaska's campaign staff and senior interdisciplinary studies major. "It was a really tough campaign, but it's really paid off."

Even Prochaska weighed in on the outcome.

"Derek Devine is an amazing person," he said. "He ran a great campaign with passion and character, and I knew as soon as we were announced in the runoff that the student body was going to get a committed president in either of us."

The results are unofficial until verified by the Judicial Court, said Election Commissioner Jim Reed. The Court will meet on Monday evening to approve the results, unless an appeal is filed.

"I'm going to get to work," Prochaska said. "My first goal is to sit down, see where we are and where we're going to go. I have a 7:30 a.m. meeting with Interim President Eddie Davis on Monday morning. I gave my word to every student I talked to that I would work hard for them, and I will."

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