Issue date: 4/3/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Stephen Fogg Student body president candidate Eric Beckham talks to reporter Melissa Appel after election results were announced Thursday. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Stephen Fogg Ben Debayle celebrates Thursday after being announced as a run-off candidate for student body president. [Click to enlarge]

After a record 15,105 students voted in the student body election, the race for the 2009-2010 student body president will continue with a run-off between candidates Ben Debayle and Eric Beckham.

Debayle received 33 percent of the vote and Beckham received 30 percent. Because neither candidate received the necessary 50 percent of the overall vote, there will be a run-off.

Both student body president candidates were overwhelmed with gratitude for the support they received.

"[I am] overwhelmed, incredibly humbled and blessed beyond belief," Beckham said. "We appreciate the support the first time, and now there are three more days to impact the student body."

"I really appreciate the support; it's such a blessing to get this far," Debayle said. "I'm looking forward to another great week of campaigning."

Although the number of candidates has decreased, campaign participants stressed that the message is still the same.

The large number of voters reflected the large input of student voice and participation in the campaign process.

"I'm so proud of [Debayle], and not just him, but everyone - the campaigners, the campaign staff, everyone," said Candace Kaspar, junior political science major and member of the Debayle campaign.

Even with the excitement of the evening, the candidates were looking forward to the campaign work ahead.

"Go home; get the troops fired up," Beckham said. "We've got work to do."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools