Campaigns prove to be strategic

 
Campaign flyers and posters are not all that is required to secure a position and run a campaign for the Student Government Association at Southern University.
Candidates for this year’s SGA positions discussed their finances, motivations and purposes as they run for their positions to represent the student body.
Candidates like Erin Rogers, a senior biology major from New Orleans, have planned their run for their respective position.
“Ever since I was a freshman this was an endeavor I wanted to pursue,” Rogers said. 
Rogers vying for Miss Southern University, 2012-2013 began a savings account for her potential run with family support as well as saved small amounts of her AmeriCorps stipends to fund her campaign.
While Rogers has been planning financially for their campaign Ricardo Peters, a senior criminal justice major from Bogalusa, La., found other methods to gain campaign funds.
“I took up donations from hometown,” Peters said.
Peters is vying for SGA Vice President against Maurlence Martin and Bryson Alexander.
While candidate plan for their current run, Julius McCray, a junior criminal justice major from Baton Rouge has served in SGA previously.
“I’ve been active in the SGA since my freshman year, and I wanted to take a bigger leadership role,” McCray said.
Some candidates find the campaign process filled with complications such as encouraging student involvement.
Arletha Penn, a junior accounting major from Houston said one of the hardest aspects of campaigning is getting students to the polls.
“Just getting people to go out and vote,” Penn said.
Penn vying for Miss Senior against Rashieka Blaze agreed with McCray that building a rapport and connection is another hard aspect of the campaign process.
“Trying to sell yourself to people,” said McCray.
Willie McCorkle III, a junior mass communications major from New Orleans, cited his previous involvement in the SU community as a reason for his campaign team make up.
“Because of my recent endeavors and initiatives  and reaching out to student to get them informed  as well as involved with matters that directly affect the university prior to running for office, ” McCorkle said, as his reason for students volunteerism in his campaign effort.
McCorkle said, the most important aspect was taking the time and making effort to reach out to every student personally.
Peters discussed the motivations behind his campaign effort.
“To make a difference before I leave, and to improve on campus living,” Peters said.
Rogers’ purpose involved the nationwide issue concerning a lack of voter turnout in the black community.
“The lack of voting, I pulled many statistics of voter turnout nationwide and research has proven black community doesn’t vote,” said Rogers, when asked about her purpose for running.
Rogers’ purpose also included carrying on a legacy of a strong powerful leadership role, and mentoring young women.
Rogers’ purpose involved a nationwide issue, while McCorkle focused on issues at Southern University and the students that face them.
“It’s not about just a catchy slogan, but the theme is, “going to work for SU” because there are many attacks against the university that students should be aware of, and keep them at the forefront,” McCorkle said.
McCorkle said defending the university is important for the longevity of the university as a whole.