SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Candidates from two major parties faced stricter campaign spending limits in University of Utah student elections this past week.
The high cost of past elections prompted university trustees to cap each party's expenditures at $6,750 this year, down from
$10,000.
The action was taken at the urging of Tayler Clough, current president of the Associated Students of the University of Utah
(ASUU).
Clough said the cost was far out of line with election spending at other major state universities and it was discouraging many
students from seeking office.
He said he would have preferred to limit spending even more because many campaign expenditures have nothing to do with
candidate positions.
"Students expect you to provide them breakfast and lunch," Clough told the Salt Lake Tribune. "The people with the longest
line are the ones who win. That's wrong. You can have a great platform, but not get the votes."
Chase Jardine and John Pearson of the NOW party on Thursday were named president and vice president of ASUU, respectively. By a 2-1 margin, they defeated Clint Hugie and Cameron King of the ICE party.
Voting occurred online Tuesday and Wednesday, with 3,729 students casting ballots in the best turnout in four years.
NOW served up fish tacos this past week, while ICE resorted to hot dogs and nachos.
Food is the second highest expense after posters and brochures.
Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune
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