Introducing the Candidates: Walrath-Goldsmith

This is the second part in our three part series, “Introducing the Candidates.” We’ll tell you who’s running for NISG President and Vice President this spring and give you a little bit of information about them. The second ticket we’re looking at is Spencer Walrath and Ian Goldsmith.

Quick Bio

Presidential Candidate

• Name: Spencer Walrath
• Major: Music and Psychology
• Standing: Senior
• Experience: Veteran NISG Senator, Chair of the External Affairs Committee, Resident Assistant, Connecting Alumni To Students (CATS), and radio host.

Vice Presidential Candidate

• Name: Ian Goldsmith
• Major: Psychology and Theatre
• Standing: Junior
• Experience: First year NISG Senator, Student Admissions Ambassadors (SAA), Resident Assistant, Former Campbell Hall Senate President

The Ticket

• Webpage: Unknown
• Recognized Student Group: UNI Students for Walrath-Goldsmith
• Facebook group: To be added
• Pros: The Walrath-Goldsmith ticket is without a doubt the frontrunner and powerhouse ticket in this race. Both candidates have been extremely involved on campus and have a broad range of activities between the two of them. Also, Spencer is the candidate with the most NISG experience. They also are both Resident Assistants in Campbell Hall.
• Cons: They are the frontrunner. It could be very easy for the campaign to focus on the wrong issues or not connect with voters (See Bentley-Doudna vs. Cezar-Lobdell). The two have also been known for their humor, which could rub some the wrong way.

From my first days in NISG, I have known and worked with Spencer. He has been a Resident Assistant since 2008 in Campbell Hall, which will undoubtly be a great strength of his in the campaign. He is also one of the most senior members of the NISG Senate. He has certainly had the experience when it comes to debate and committee work. Walrath was also a crucial part of the creation of the Director of Governmental Relations position in the NISG Executive Branch. One thing is for sure, he deserves credit for speaking up and showing up to senate meetings. Walrath has 1,562 Facebook friends and counting, and that’s not just because he was adding for the campaign. He is also been involved with various music ensembles playing the trombone.

Goldsmith is a newcomer to the NISG scene. Like many before him, he joined last semester. As Trevor eluded too, its difficult to determine if this was a last minute grab at claiming “experience,” but nonetheless, it is always beneficial to have the candidates serving and learning in the Senate. But don’t let this newcomer fool you. Despite having a resume lacking NISG experience, he is a strong addition to the ticket. With 1,809 Facebook friends, it is difficult to find someone on the UNI campus who doesn’t at least recognize Ian. He is involved in vocal music and sings in the Men’s Glee Club. In addition to these activities, he has served as President of the Campbell Hall Senate, which will most likely be where he draws attention to his leadership and experience.

Between the two candidates, they will without a doubt be fantastic campaigners. They have the connections and the involvement to run an effective campaign. However, the two have been known for kidding around. (See youtube for more details.) This is a serious business, and it will be important for this ticket to legitimize itself early on. They need to prove they are not only great campaigners, but that they will be a great team to lead the student government. I’m looking forward to seeing the platform this group comes out with.