A campaign clouded with negative campaigning and personal attacks just got even messier — just two days before voters hit the polls.
Junior Christopher Wagner told The Post today that he has launched a write-in campaign for Student Senate president, taking on FACE candidate Matthew Wallace and RSVP candidate Kyle Triplett.
Wagner says he knows his chances of being elected are slim, but added that he hopes his candidacy brings the race back to issues rather than politics.
"The negative campaigning is completely out of control," Wagner said. "It's completely out of control."
Wagner said he will not spend a single dollar on his two-day campaign, adding that he sees himself as a statement candidate. He added that, in the midst of a tough budget climate, the university's finances have barely been a campaign issue.
"Both parties have touched on the potential tuition hikes, both have touched on the potentially devastating budget cuts but neither has really focused on the budget — which should be the central issue," Wagner said.
Few specifications exist in Student Senate's election rules regarding write-in candidates.
Although he's no newcomer to Student Senate politics, having been elected to Senate twice, Wagner describes his chances of winning as "slim."
"He doesn't just fit the bill, he defines it."
The announcement of Wagner's candidacy blindsided both Wallace and Triplett. Both praised Wagner as an ideal Student Senate member.
Wagner was widely seen as a favorite to succeed current Student Senate President Jesse Neader, but publically announced that he would not seek office before the campaign officially began.
Currently the Honors Tutorial College senator, Wagner served last year as an East Green senator.
Wagner said he played a promenient role in constructing the RSVP ticket, but pulled out of the race — effectively handing the ticket to Triplett.
"I realized that I had let the ticket slip away from me," Wagner said. "Some of the people I had planned on running with weren't in it for the students, they were in it to get themselves elected."
Though shocked to hear of Wagner's candidacy, Triplett and RSVP treasurer candidate Chris Wimsatt said they welcome him to the race and praised his current work on senate.
"We're surprised that he decided to do this," Triplett said. "But he's dedicated to senate and to the students."
Wimsatt added that he's glad the write-in process is being utilized, and added that Wagner is an ideal Student Senate member.
"He doesn't just fit the bill, he defines it."
FACE presidential candidate Wallace was equally surprised by the news, but welcomed Wagner to the race.
"I just wish it wasn't president he was running for, because otherwise I'd help him campaign." Wallace said.
For more updates on this developing story, check The Post online throughout the day at www.thepost.ohiou.edu
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