The battle rages on, and the end is nowhere in sight. As Student Government parties continue fighting over just their names, they delay qualifying for would-be senatorial candidates. This does not bode well for a smooth election season.
But we'd be lying if we said we weren't intrigued. Last spring, the Pants and Gator parties were the only ones running, and we all knew that one was over before it even began. More parties, in theory, mean more choices.
However, all this could just turn into what we'd like to call a fustercluck. If the parties are already arguing about something as seemingly insignificant as their names, we don't even want to know what further accusations will come up. It's plausible the parties will be so busy throwing stones they won't have time to campaign - but hey, less people assaulting us on Turlington Plaza.
If someone, anyone, in SG hopes to make a difference this election season, the parties must rise above the petty bickering. Enough squabbling over if one party can be called Swamp, The Party Formerly Known as Swamp or The Party Formerly Known as The Party Formerly Known as Swamp. Pick a new, noncontroversial name and start working on those platforms. You know, those things that list what you want to accomplish for UF and how you'll do it. If a party were able to get its platform out more than two weeks prior to the elections, we'd be amazed beyond belief. Just keep them realistic - please, no waterslides at Lake Wauburg or promises of free music downloads on campus. Students aren't dumb, and they know what isn't obtainable. Don't kid them or yourselves.
We may be cynical, but we'd love to see SG-wannabes get their acts together. We'd love to see new, accomplishable ideas presented. Most of all, we'd love to see clean campaigns. The fight should be fierce, but not a flame war.
