As election season heats up, The Minor will have all the coverage as it breaks. Our Senior Intrepid Political Reporters, Carly Burns and Bobbi Wood, are on the pulse of the story, with constant news updates on the politics shaping our campus.
Bobbi Wood and Carly Burns | The Minor
A few surprises this year, but not many, as student body president hopefuls are in the heat of gathering signatures. Most of us have known since Nikita’s sophomore year surge to the student government exec. board that’d she’d be the big hitter in this race. Emilio, the nominee from the Campus Y, has a strong base, but this race will test his ability to reach out across campus. Andrew Powell, who the wire had bowing out supporting Nikita earlier this semester, is right in the thick of things. Some wondered whether he had the chops, or would just slither away to some education nonprofit. Other contenders have a chance, but need to gain ground after starting slow by not planning every social interaction around running for SBP from the moment they entered Carolina. Here’s the need-to-know information about all the candidates.
Nikita Shamdasani
Strengths: Experienced in student government, Morehead-Cain scholar, Illuminati
Weaknesses: Many will write her off as a classic three B’er: bland, boring and bureaucratic
Key Platform Issue: With a partially crowdsourced platform, Nikita is already showing she understands a crucial facet of the SBP’s position: letting other people do all the work
Nickname: “The Scorpion”
Andrew Powell
Strengths: Experienced in student government, Morehead-Cain scholar, has catchiest theme song
Weaknesses: Some worry that Powell’s Catholicism could influence him to lead with the humility and kindness of Pope Francis
Key Platform Issue: Education reform fetish
Nickname: “Will Lindsey”
Blind Lemon Jefferson
Strengths: Father of the Texas Blues, known for his high soulful voice and unique guitar playing
Weaknesses: Got two white horses followin’ him, down to the river, lord
Key Platform Issue: Got a mad dog sergeant, honey, and he won’t knock off
Nickname: “Lightnin’ Hopkins Sr.”
Emilio Vicente
Strengths: Social justice
Weaknesses: Legal justice
Key Platform Issue: Amending Article V Section 4 of the Student Government Bylaws to require 15%, rather than 10%, of the Student Body to call for a ballot on any act of Student Congress through ballot measures
Nickname: “E-Trade Baby”
John Kerry
Strengths: Experience in legislative and executive branches of federal government, knowledge of international conflicts
Weaknesses: Tough loss in 2004 presidential election, has flip-flopped on issues in the past
Key Platform Issue: Dining fees
Nickname: “Sweetwater”
Winston Howes
Strengths: ConnectCarolina 2.0
Weaknesses: ConnectCarolina 2.0
Key Platform Issue: ConnectCarolina 2.0
Nickname: ConnectCarolina 2.0
Traffic Cone
Strengths: High visibility on campus
Weaknesses: Known to be a pushover when nudged
Key Platform Issue: Safety
Nickname: “Ol’ Kinderhook”
Manoj Mirchandani
Strengths: Getting to hear his name mentioned in election coverage
Weaknesses: Loves too fully, too deep
Key Platform Issue: Endorsing Nikita or Andrew next week
Nickname: “Big Schwasty”
Megan’s Profile Picture
Strengths: MEYOWWWWWW, girl GET it
Weaknesses: Ew, i’m lookin rough
Key Platform Issue: Faves, ow ow, i luv u so much
Nickname: “****#1flybitch****”
The Minor 
“Nickname: Will Lindsey” hahaha, probably the best thing I’ve read this week.
connect carolina 2.0 is no joke, Winston wants to get rid of all of unc’a shitty technology and he’s willing to code it himself. he also plans on opening up platforms so able students can contribute directly. I think he’s a candidate who would actually make some sweet contributions