Nader Barred from UGBC Primary Debates

Nader showing his ticket to Elections Committee President Mike O'Hara CSOM '11

CHESTNUT HILL - The candidates for UGBC president and vice president debated in Fulton Hall Sunday night, with two notable exceptions - the Lalonde-Tierney campaign, which never shows up to anything, and the grassroots political movement of Ralph Nader.

Nader, a perennial long-shot for UGBC, collected over 343 signatures from students on campus to earn himself a spot on the ballot. The Elections Committee, however, denied his request to be present at the first primary debate. The AHANA Leadership Council and the GLBTQ Leadership Council, organizations that pride themselves on inclusion, also denied Nader a spot at the follow up debate.

Nader's running-mate, Juan Garcia Lopez III, had harsh words for the Elections Committee.

"Only in America can our corporate government deny access of information to individuals simply because of their political views," he said.

Nader-Lopez supporters gathered on the quad to protest his exclusion and were met with enthusiastic oratory from their spiritual leader.

"What we need is affordable tuition for every student, regardless of their race or background. We need our government to follow through on sexual health initiatives. We need this administration to recognize gay students, respect academic freedom, and implement the Swipe for Safety initiative," Nader said.

But some in the crowd were not thrilled.

"This happens every year in the primaries. Nader splits the ballot with the traditional left-leaning campaign, in this year's case Nick Domino and Katrina Lutfy, to the detriment of all students," said Rowell McAllister, CSOM '14.

"Then we end up with hawkish conservatives like the infamous Al Dea," he added.

Others called the Nader campaign too radical. "What we need is a mainstream politician to make sure that papers get signed and resumes get buffed. What we cannot afford is someone who will challenge the university administration on unpopular agenda items," explained Kristen Tuck, LSOE '14.

Nader adds that he hopes voters will recognize his achievements.

"I went on a service and immersion trip to Ecuador," he said. "Also, seatbelts." □