At Thursday's first debate of the election season, T-shirt-wearing campaign supporters of the two Student Government Association slates took their seats, like die-hard fans filing in on opposite sides of a stadium to watch the Heavyweight Championship of the World.
Each slate had trained hard. They presented their platform goals, and they each brought a student cheering section - with few undecided voters in attendance.
This isn't shaping up to be a typically tepid SGA election. In fact, this campus might see an exciting election season for the first time in a few years. However, tensions and comments made Thursday night indicate these slates will have to watch to be sure their debates don't turn into an all-out dogfight.
Thursday's action was just round one - things will heat up next week with the Slate Debate being televised off campus for the first time ever.
Both The Cardinal Movement and Team Lisec presented platforms that dealt with student interest in the SGA process, improving communication across campus and the slates' differing levels of experience.
No matter which slate is elected, its goals will change student life in the next academic year - and that's enough reason for students to get in on this election.
Another reason, though, for students to be interested involves the way each slate scratched at the other's reputation. No blood was drawn Thursday night, but the potential for bloodshed appeared.
Showing a little fight ensures voter interest and keeps the slates on their toes; however, too much bloodshed can turn students' stomachs and turn them away from the election process.
It's a fine line between fair competition and cheap shots.
Especially because Tuesday's debate will be televised both on and off campus, the pressure will be on each slate to maintain its control. The speakers for each slate will have to be polished and knowledgeable, but they'll also need to appear controlled and respectful.
Voters don't appreciate a mudslinging politician who goes beyond the bounds of taste - just as spectators don't respect a boxer who resorts to biting rather than relying on the skill of the punch.
It's going to take some conscious and well-thought-out decisions on the part of these slates to run this election smoothly and tastefully. And there will be a lot more to watch before either slate gets knocked out. This might be the election season students would want to pay some attention - then throw their own punches by voting on Feb. 27 and 28.
Until then, the next round will be televised at 7 p.m Tuesday on channels 57 and 61. It's up to the slates whether it'll be a polite battle of skill and preparation - or an all-out bloodbath.
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