Officer candidates begin campaigns
Candidates are speaking to different organizations on campus to promote their ideas and platforms before the election on Nov. 12 — even the ones who are running unopposed.
By Emily Turner
Staff Reporter

Even though Brad Thompson is running unopposed to become the president of Student Government Association, he said he still plans on using this week to campaign.

Thompson said that he has created a Web site where his campaign platform is presented and voters can be informed about issues that he hopes to address.
Thompson, a junior radio-TV-film major, said the Web site (www.bradthompson4prez.com) is an ideal way of conveying his thoughts and ideas to students.

“I have so many goals,” Thompson said. “There is no way I could tell students everything in a five minute speech.”

Chris Mattingly, the elections and regulation chairman, said students had two weeks to submit an application to participate in the campaign. The deadline for applications was Nov. 2. Candidates have until the Nov. 12 election to campaign.

Mattingly, a junior international finance and accounting major, said although Thompson is unopposed, write-in votes are one way other candidates can take part in the election.
“Just because Brad is running unopposed does not guarantee a win,” Mattingly said.

“However, it would take about 400 people to actually log in and type in someone else’s name to really make a difference.”

Thompson said he was surprised when he heard that no one else was campaigning against him. This week remains a vital time to receive student input and express concerns regarding the university, he said.

Thompson’s Web site provides his phone numbers and a link to his e-mail where students can contact him with feedback.

“I am giving people access to myself,” Thompson said. “If they need to talk about any issues, I am willing to meet up with them, grab a bite to eat and answer any questions.”

SGA advisor Larry Markley said he does not remember the last time the presidential campaign was an unopposed race. Last year, three candidates campaigned for president.

Mattingly, who is running for treasurer, resigned as elections and regulations chairperson because of his candidacy. A new chairperson will be appointed at the SGA meeting tonight.

Markley said it is unusual that only one person is running for president because typically vice president of Programming Council is the position that goes unopposed.

Candidates are currently speaking at organization meetings. Students can vote for candidates on Nov. 12 at (www.vote.tcu.edu).

e.l.turner@tcu.edu