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Every year, we at the Cardinal invite the SGA candidates running for the top four positions to come into our office for a chance to ask questions of them, chat, and get to know each of them a little better.  We do this so that we may endorse the candidates that we feel are the most qualified for the offices they seek.  This year was no different.
Each of the candidates took time out of their Saturday to speak to members of the Cardinal editorial staff one-on-one; we see our group as one entity.  All but one attended, and that one took the time to respond via e-mail to all the same questions asked of those in person. 
It was an interesting, relaxed time and first we would like to say we appreciate their cooperation, enthusiasm and excitement for the positions they all want to hold.
While making the decisions on who we were going to endorse, conversations were had, lists of whys and why-nots were given and we discussed each candidate until we agreed on the folks we are going to back this year.
The past year has been a tough one for the students of the University of Louisville.  There have been disappointments experienced by all of us, not only our administration and some of their decisions, but also in the current SGA administration and their lack of communication and ability to be the real voice of the students.
So when deciding who the Cardinal was going to endorse, it was important to each of us, not only as members of the Cardinal but also as students of U of L.  We wanted to choose those candidates that we, as part of this community, would feel good about having lead us through the next year.
The need for change was overwhelming, the need for a track record of proven results was imperative and a real sense of passion and caring about the students on this campus was more important than how good this position would look on a resumé in the future.
Based on all of these and many more points, the Louisville Cardinal is proud to endorse the following candidates for the 2009-2010 SGA elections:
For SGA President we endorse Ahmed Awadallah.   We believe he will fight for the students, as he as done in the past, and will take the high road even if it gets dark.
For Executive Vice-President we endorse Robert Works. We believe he has the background and the stamina to take on the problems with the Senate that we so desperately need.
For Academic Vice-President, we have chosen Michael Rolf as our candidate, again we believe he has a proven track record of getting results and we feel the students are his main concern.
For Services Vice-President, the Cardinal is endorsing Joe Grossman, the lone ranger on the election ballot.  He may not have as much direct experience in the SGA, but at this point, we believe that is a good thing.  Grossman cares about the same things we as students care about, and that is what we as students need.
This is our list of endorsements.  These people, we believe, will give the students of U of L what we all expect from our student government: a voice.