The election is underway and so were endorsement meetings last night. Candidates for various Student Association positions trickled in and out of a cramped Marvin Center conference room Tuesday night, hoping to secure an endorsement from GW College Republicans.
“This was the longest we have ever taken to decide endorsements,” said College Republicans Chairman Alexander Miller. “It was a very strong group of candidates.”
SA president, senator, and program board chair hopefuls were given unlimited time to speak to the organization’s executive board and answer follow-up questions. Candidates promised increased transparency of both the Student Association and the GW Administration.
Campus dining was also an issue addressed by virtually all candidates. Inquisitive and possibly hungry Treasurer Eric McGowan asked about the likeliness of Chick-fil-A returning to J Street and jokingly asked Program Board Chair candidate Avery Jaffe about the future of the townhouse neighboring their fraternity.
“I want the tasty kabob food truck to move closer to the fraternity houses; what are you going to do about that,” asked McGowan.
As the night progressed and more candidates filed in, follow-up questions grew scarcer and candidates attempted to abbreviate their speeches as much as possible. Several candidates were asked point blank why they specifically wanted the Republican’s endorsements.
“You guys have been thriving in a very liberal setting,” replied SA Presidential candidate Daniel Egel-Weiss.
CCAS Senate candidate Sean Kumnick had a different take on the importance of GW College Republicans. He is their current Director of Political Affairs.
“CRs has been my baby here at GW. It’s one of the orgs I value most,” said Kumnick. “I think the more money you provide those organizations, the more involvement you’ll see, and the more gratitude you’ll witness. Years from now, I know I’ll remember my trips with CRs fondly.”
Once the last of the speakers teetered in and out, the executive board closed its doors to deliberate. Miller sat back in exhaustion as the hearing that was supposed to from 8-9pm lasted three plus hours.
“I’m really proud of the candidates we endorsed,” said first year representative Joe Picozzi. “At the end of the day, we decided to endorse who we thought would best represent the organization.”
GW College Republicans will be releasing their official list of endorsements in the upcoming days.