Student Senate to discuss
campaign bylaws
By Kurt Esposito
Assistant
Campus Editor
Purdue's first Student Senate elections are less
than a month away and some senators want to make sure other student
organizations have freedom to support the candidates.
Sean Cowley, Purdue Student Government president
pro tempore and author of a bill to that end, said the bill came out
of some senators' belief that the PSG bylaws should give other student
organizations the freedom of speech in all matters, including the elections.
"We don't feel all the effective means of communication
are being used," he said.
The proposed bill would give student organizations
freedom to support candidates in any way. Cowley said the support could
be interpreted as both vocal and monetary.
The issue will be discussed at the PSG Senate meeting
at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Stewart Center, Room 202.
Gari Mparutsa, PSG chief justice, said all laws
concerning the elections are specified in the bylaws and those not in
the bylaws are specified by the election secretary. According to those
rules set by the election secretary, candidates can spend up to $150
on their campaigns and the funds can only come from the candidate. The
rules also say outside organizations can endorse candidates but cannot
give financial contributions.
The change to the bylaws would not be subject to
these rules.
Cowley said he does not fully support the bill
as it is, but changes would be made in the senate committees. "I don't
want organizations to cut checks to senators," he said.
Senators will only discuss the bill and vote to
send it to committee Wednesday night. They will vote to approve the
bill on Oct. 10. Campaigning for the Student Senate elections will begin
Oct. 8 and the voting will begin Oct. 15.
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