thebattalion ● thursday,
october 4, 2012
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2012 student media
Political party
Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION
Students gather Wednesday evening at Rev’s American Grill to view the first presidential debate. The debate dealt with the topic of domestic issues.
Students perk up as presidential candidates debate for first time Jennifer Keith The Battalion
C
rowds of students squeezed into Rev’s Cafe in the MSC Wednesday night to watch round one of the political boxing match, also known as the presidential debates.
The debate between Republican candidate Gov. Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama was shown on the cafe’s large projector screen as part of an event organized by the MSC Wiley Lecture Series. Megan Mumford, sophomore political science major and member of the Wiley Lecture Series, said the group held the watch party to get students involved with the election season.
“We generally host speakers on campus, events that everyone on campus can come to,” Mumford said. “We mainly deal with political problems. We hosted this [debate watch] as well to encourage discussion.” Romney and Obama shared their opinions on hot topics such as entitlement programs, the financial deficit, job creation and health care — all while both surpassing the time limit given by the modera-
tor and fighting for the last word. During a memorable moment that caused gasps and giggles, Romney rebutted his opponents’ accusations. “Mr. President, you’re entitled to your own airplane and house, but not your own facts,” Romney said. Claire Berger, sophomore international studies major, said she thought Romney could have been saving the remark. “That was probably one of the zingers he had planned,” Berger said. While some students intentionally came to campus to watch the debate, others simply passed by and were drawn in to stay.
voices | 3 Swing Vote An undecided voter chimes in with his reaction to the first of three presidential debates between Republican candidate Mitt Romney and Democratic incumbent Barack Obama.
See Debate on page 4
campus elections
Freshmen race goes to runoff Aimee Breaux Special to The Battalion Without a majority vote, freshman class president candidates, Brooke McManus and Anthony Rice, will go head to head in a runoff election Friday. The election results Wednesday showed Rice winning 18 percent of the vote and McManus 16 percent of the vote. Election rules require candidates to receive 50 percent of the vote to win, therefore a runoff will take place online at 7 p.m. Friday. To shape the next election polls, candidates will be able to continue campaigning and must submit expense reports by 5 p.m. Friday. Election commissioner Allison Krenzien said the candidates have to submit a new expense report that must contain any fines received for violations during campaigning. Krenzien said candidates have a $400
inside
b!
life | 6 Dirty Guv’nahs
Rock band with blues and country influences and discuss upcoming performance at the Grand Stafford Theatre. Lead Singer James Trimble opens up about the band’s beginnings and recent tour success.
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budget throughout the entire election process and don’t get a new budget because of a runoff. Rice, general studies major and member of the Corps of Cadets, said he wanted to make a lasting impact with the Class of 2016. “I really want to make the Class of 2016 standout and create ripples across campus that will echo for the next 100 years,” Rice said. McManus, international studies major, said she wanted to speak up for the Class of 2016 and serve them in any way possible. “In a position of leadership, you have to be a servant above all else,” McManus said. Krenzien said she was excited about the large voter turnout — 3,865 total votes — and student involvement in the election, especially the freshmen. See Elections on page 5
Tanner Garza — THE BATTALION
Students react after fall election results were announced Wednesday at Academic Plaza.
student government
campus
J-Court still operates without chief justice
A&M celebrates its 136th year
Micah Mills Special to The Battalion After the Student Senate meeting Tuesday in Koldus, the chief justice position for the Judicial Court remained vacant after Chelsea Lu was denied confirmation, 15 for, to 25 against. The Student Government Association is a student-run organization that ultimately serves as the voice of students. It is divided into three branches of government — the executive, legislative and judicial. The Judicial Court is set up with nine justices, with one who is approved by Student Senate as chief justice. Lu, senior philosophy
Katie Norman
Tanner Garza — THE BATTALION
Justice Chelsea Lu argues her position to become chief justice Wednesday at Koldus. Lu was not confirmed for the second time. major, was running for that posi- zation that advocates for children’s tion. legal rights. Lu addressed issues she said were “I feel like the roles I hold in left unclear last meeting, where she these three organizations makes me came up short in a vote of 22 for the most qualified person to act as to 19 against. The chief justice is chief justice,” Lu said. confirmed by a two-thirds majority Mark Womack, international vote by Student Senate. affairs graduate student and execuLu spoke on her leadership po- tive vice president for SGA, said he sitions outside of SGA. She is the was disappointed that Lu was not president of the Pre-Law Society appointed and believed that she and Aggie Big Brothers and Sisters. was the best candidate for the posiShe is also a member of Court Ap- tion with a vision that was clear and pointed Special Advocate AssociaSee Senate on page 4 tion, which is a non-profit organi-
The Battalion From the 40 students who made up the first class at Texas A.M.C in 1876 to the 7,300 students who made up the Texas A&M Class of 2012, the University has undoubtedly come a long way. When classes began on Oct. 4 — 136 years ago — admission was limited to white males, all students were required to be members of the Corps of Cadets to receive military training and the University had a total of six faculty members. Rich with history and tradition, Texas A&M has grown each year, with this year being no exception. From the re-opening of the newly renovated Memorial Student Center, the University’s recent move into the Southeastern Conference and the record enrollment freshmen class, Texas A&M continues to grow and change while at the same time maintaining its core values and time-honored traditions. Jeff Cohen, sophomore meteorology major, said See Birthday on page 2
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