After two years as the unopposed choice for Class of 2008 president, Grant Gittlin faces two challengers in the race for leader of the rising senior class.
USG vice president and senior elections manager Josh Weinstein '09 announced Saturday night that Aaron Spolin '08 and Thomas Haine '08 are both running against Gittlin.
In separate interviews yesterday, both Spolin and Haine said they wanted to run because they believe there is demand for more class activities. They are also motivated by the opportunities given to the senior class president, including a role in selecting the Class Day speaker, a speaking slot at graduation and access to more funds for the class.
Haine said he thinks the senior class president should "inspire unity and identity in the class ... something that will last through a great senior year and a fantastic graduation."
Haine and Spolin also had similar visions for the campus reputation of the Class of 2008.
"Some of the events we could hold [could] make being [a member of] the Class of '08 ... something to be envied," Haine said.
Spolin echoed Haine's sentiment. "People are saying, 'Why aren't we doing what the Class of '07 is doing, what the Class of '10 is doing?' "
Spolin said he has a track record in positions of responsibility — as former co-president of Whig-Clio, current Pre-Law Society president and Princeton-in-Washington student coordinator — that demonstrates his creativity.
Haine, who is the former president of Princeton Pro-Life, said that while he was initially concerned about his lack of experience in elected positions, he has spoken to those familiar with the senior class president's responsibilities and is confident that he is qualified.
"It's really about getting to know people who have done it in the past [and] having a trusting relationship with the administration," Haine said. "It's a great thing to be [class president] for the last three years, but this is totally different."
When asked if he believes he will win, Spolin answered, "I think I will ... [because one], I have specific, concrete plans for what I want [the] class government to do in senior year, and two, I think I have a solid track record to back up my hopes and ideas."
Spolin's goals include publishing a career profile guide to parallel the "Major Choices" pamphlets issued by the University and hosting more networking events between alumni and seniors. He also hopes to initiate "more creative social activities, not just study breaks. I think we should have '08 standup comedy, '08 karaoke, '08 Assassins ... as well as Pub Night, which some other candidates are stressing."
Haine wants to sponsor class trips to Broadway shows and sports games, possibly host a "bring your own beer night" at the Garden Theatre and have a class Assassins game.
"I'm running for this position because it has a specific sort of charisma that I think is absent in other positions in elected government," Haine said. "The role is something that excites me, and it's something I would love to spend my senior year doing."
Both challengers said they consider Gittlin a friend. Spolin ran against Gittlin during their freshman year and had received more votes in the initial election before losing to Gittlin in the runoffs. "I gave Grant the benefit of the doubt, but he's had three years ... it's time for a change," Spolin said, adding that Gittlin's loss earlier this year in the race for USG president did not factor into his decision to run.
Haine said he was concerned that Gittlin's responsibilities as the social chair of Ivy Club would detract from his ability to best serve the senior class. "Grant has other things going on that would conflict with having the great senior year that we could have," he said.
Gittlin could not be reached for comment.
Weinstein said that the election managers are "very happy with the turnout" for prospective USG positions, especially with the fact that 20 people, including several freshmen, are running for the 10 U-Council spots.
In addition, Jay Thornton '09 is challenging incumbent Grant Bermann '09 for junior class president. Current freshman class president Connor Diemand-Yauman '10 also faces competition from Bobby Addis '10 and Kelly Tran '10.
Campaigning officially starts today at 6 a.m. Voting will begin at noon Sunday and will last 48 hours.
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