After Student Council Presidential Candidate Ed Hallen withdrew from presidential election Sunday night, the Council elections committee officially named second-year College student Daisy Lundy President-elect yesterday afternoon.
Hallen, a third-year Engineering student, said that he heavily considered withdrawing after the attack on Lundy and made his official decision Sunday afternoon after discussing his intentions with her.
"I asked myself 'what was the best thing that could happen if we had another election?'" Hallen said.
He explained that, after much thought, he decided that it was best not to have an election and thus withdrew his candidacy.
Hallen stressed that a "divisive" election could compromise the community's attempt to unite after the Feb. 26 attack.
Current Council President Micah Schwartz said he admired Hallen's choice.
"I respect his decision," Schwartz said. "His concern for community healing over his own ambitions speaks volumes for his integrity and humility."
Lundy expressed concern regarding the manner in which students would perceive Hallen dropping out of the race, but said she still is optimistic about her upcoming term.
"In spite of the recent event, I look forward to the challenges ahead," Lundy said.
Schwartz said the run-off controversy and Hallen's dramatic withdrawal could lead people to question the legitimacy of Lundy's election. He noted that Lundy has legitimately won the election, as opposed to being appointed president after Hallen's decision.
"It's a worthwhile distinction -- it's not like anyone is anointing Daisy president," Schwartz said. "She won."
The official elections committee statement refers back to the results of the original election. According to those results, Lundy was elected president with substantially more than the 5 percent margin needed over the nearest competitor, excepting Hallen, who withdrew.
The voting administrator and an Honor representative, the only officials with access to the voting system, would not disclose who was ahead when the run-off polls closed at 8 a.m. on Feb. 26 following the assault on Lundy.
Elections chair Julie Teater said the first 24 hours of run-off votes would be deleted.
"Since Ed dropped out, it goes back to the first election results, and it is like the runoff never happened," she said.
Hallen emphasized that he would still be involved with Council.
"I'm strongly considering applying" for the presidential cabinet, Hallen said. "I'm really just excited about the potential for what Council can do next year."
The presidential cabinet will be appointed by Lundy next week and consists of the Chief of Staff, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technical Advisor and the Coordinator of University Committees.
Schwartz said he hopes for a productive year for Council.
"I think that Daisy clearly has the will of the people behind her," Schwartz added. "And if Daisy and Ed are able to forge a partnership, then they could achieve great things."
Lundy said she also looks forward to cooperation with Hallen.
"I'm extremely optimistic about working with Ed next year," Lundy said. "Our talents pooled together will make us an incredible team."
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