Photo by Jordan Jacobo/ For the Review

Jillian Beaudry
Editor in Chief

In a near tie, junior candidates for ASLC president Wesley Mitchell and Chris Schuldt beat out junior Geoff Young in the primary election Tuesday.

Mitchell received 251 votes, Schuldt 250 and Young 178. About 46 percent of the student body turned out to vote Tuesday. According to the March 9, 2007 issue of the Review, that number is up from last year’s 35 percent

“I’m glad it was a close race because it will make me push just that much harder next week,” Schuldt said.

Mitchell said he was excited about the large amount voters and has enjoyed meeting students.

“I’m looking forward to going out there and getting more students’ (votes) and more feedback,” he said.

As he said in the debate Monday night, Young now plans to apply for a Cabinet position, though he does not know which one.

“It was fun while it lasted, and I don’t regret running,” Young said.

He hasn’t decided which presidential candidate he will vote for next week.

“They both have really strong qualities that are unique to themselves,” he said.

Young said he will be watching and waiting on the sidelines like every-one else.

No primary election was held for the vice presidential candidates as there are only two contenders: juniors Josh Planton and Rafe Rafahi.

The general election debates will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Fred Meyer Lounge in Riley Center. Elections will be held Tuesday. Students can vote in front of Walker Hall and Withnell Commons from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The primary election followed the debates the night before in FML. Questions included topics such as how to involve international students in campus clubs and activities, how candidates will appoint students to school committees, how to better Greek Life and ASLC Cabinet relations and how to keep Linfield energy efficient, as well as which goals each wishes to fulfill in the first month of their term.

The candidates seemed most passionate about campus safety, Greek Life, visiting hours in the residence halls and improving Senate and Cabinet.

In his speech, Schuldt emphasized his approachable personality and desire to boost school spirit.

“Supporting students doesn’t have to do with just one of my goals, it’s all of them,” Schuldt said.

Mitchell proved he knew the school well by providing Linfield statistics in his answers. Because of his experience studying in Hong Kong last fall, he was adamant about exploring ways to involve international students in campus life.

“(International students) should get involved the second they step on campus,” he said.

He also wants to work with the Enrollment Retention Student Life Committee to find a better solution to the fluctuating GPA policy with fraternity and sorority members’ grades.

Young proved his experience in his answers by describing his plans to help the other eight Cabinet members and keeping the game room open an extra 10 hours each week.

“I believe the president position should be dynamic and constantly changing with the students’ needs,” Young said.

Planton said he has noticed a lag in the professionalism of ASLC and wants to restore it as an organization that is respected, not simply seen as one that puts on events. He also said he would represent students well in the trustee meetings because he will stand up for what he believes.

“I don’t take a lot of crap from anyone,” Planton said.

Rafahi opened with the proclamation that he has the experience to lead and the ability to motivate. He expressed desire to use Senate time more efficiently and wishes to bump up campus safety.

“The level of crime we are experiencing is unprecedented,” he said.

To watch the debates or find more information about the candidates, visit www.linfield.edu/aslcelections and video.google.com; search ASLC primary elections.