Standing in the back of the room with arms folded, the campaign managers motioned to their watches, hoping their presidential candidate would begin to wrap up his speech.
Keeping Ben Tietz, Student Government Association presidential candidate, and his slate on time is one duty of Katie Wiese and Nick Zuniga, campaign managers .
However, being nicknamed Mom and Dad by the Tietz Slate is a perk of their trade.
"I'm more the caretaker type, and Nick's more the business type," Wiese said. "When they do well, we are like proud parents."
Wiese said she handles the slate's calendar, and Zuniga manages the media relations. Both managers help the candidates prepare for presentations and debates with practice questions and scenarios, Zuniga said.
The managers said their most important job is to keep the candidates relaxed.
"We want them to speak well," Zuniga said. "We need to make sure they're ready by just loosening them up."
Tietz said he asked Wiese and Zuniga to be his campaign managers because they have known him since he was a freshman, and they have student government experience.
"They've been here since the beginning," Tietz said. "They've helped us develop almost every aspect of this slate. They keep us motivated and on track. "
Vice presidential candidate Olufunmbi Elemo said she doesn't have to worry about schedules because the campaign managers keep her informed daily.
Every morning, Wiese sends the candidates an e-mail detailing the day's schedule, she said.
Balancing the campaign and school work is difficult at times, Wiese and Zuniga said.
Wiese, a junior elementary education major, is taking 18 hours of classes and is a residence hall assistant in the Noyer Complex.
"It's tough," she said. "I've made a few sacrifices with my hall, but I totally care as much as Ben does about this election."
Senior and public relations major Zuniga said he is used to the campaign rush because he has participated on three student government slates, including the Jayson Manship Slate last year. Zuniga also served as Manship's chief of staff.
Zuniga said he chose to help with Tietz's campaign because he believes in his platform, and he has known Tietz longer than Manship. Tietz and Zuniga have worked together in SGA, Interfraternity Council and Homecoming Steering Committee.
Although Zuniga worked for the Manship Slate, Zuniga said he has no ill feelings toward Manship personally or his new slate.
Both Wiese and Zuniga said they will continue to parent the candidates for the March 1 and 2 elections.
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