Passion drives FUSION candidates through grueling run-off campaign

FUSION Party executives might be a little sleep deprived because of the recent Association of Students of the University of Nebraska run-off election, but it hasn't stopped them from bringing the same high energy back to the campaign trail.

Presidential candidate Reid DeSpiegelaere, a junior history major, said his previous concern about an interest drop after the election went away as soon as he saw the enthusiasm from his base of supporters.

"It doesn't matter if candidates have won or lost, their dedication is always there," DeSpiegelaere said.

External vice presidential candidate Emily Schlichting, a junior political science major, said FUSION will try to bring the same atmosphere that it had during election day.

Last Wednesday, FUSION supporters and candidates grilled hot dogs for on-lookers and prospective voters outside of the Nebraska Union.

While the people ate, they listened to live musical performances.

Schlichting said they have a few acoustic acts lined up to perform, as well as some slam poetry presenters.

DeSpiegelaere said FUSION will also have a big canvas, allowing students to write their names, draw pictures or other depictions that will allow them to experience the FUSION movement.

The festivities are all part of FUSION's initiative to incorporate more art on campus, one of the biggest platforms FUSION hopes to obtain if elected.

Even with the forced run-off election, FUSION still has ground that needs to be made up.

N VISION earned the most votes last Wednesday with 1,772 for the president and internal vice president slate and 1,803 for the external vice president.

FUSION finished with 1,411 for its president and internal vice president and 1,413 for external vice president.

The difference could come down to the voters who picked the RENEW Party, which will no longer be on the ballot.

Schlichting said she thinks because of their similar views, FUSION would obtain the majority of RENEW's votes.

"I think RENEW voters would see FUSION to be a logical second choice," Schlichting said.

Schlichting said FUSION's chances of being elected are all because of the hard work from people who aren't individually running on Tuesday.

She credited ASUN senators Justin Shilhanek, a junior psychology major, and Sarah Williams, a junior international studies major, as important members of the campaign staff. 

Both DeSpiegelaere and Schlichting said the additional campaigning seemed daunting, but they quickly settled back into their routines.

DeSpiegelaere even joked his campaign is the only thing he's managed to do all semester.

"We eat, sleep and breathe this one thing," DeSpiegelaere said.

But the presidential candidate said he knows his party's efforts and ideas will live past the election if they don't succeed.

"These are the goals and things people have worked on in their entire careers," DeSpiegelaere said.

"If we can continue to work on these things, it will just show a lot about the character of this campaign."

michaelschaefer@dailynebraskan.com