The two decided not to recruit first-years because "they're coming in with a clean slate," Coffey said.

Bonfili and Coffey both said the party doesn't plan to endorse a presidential candidate to challenge Liston or Hanselman.

The party will publicize by postering or door-dropping a flier. That sheet will list the party's membership and goals.

Liston's Shift

The Liston about-face on the fee hike is especially curious because the presidential candidate was one of its most outspoken supporters last spring.

But Liston said in a statement that a referendum conducted last May proved that students oppose the measure.

"[U]ntil it is clear that over 50 percent of the student body would support an increase in the fee paid to the council,...the UC should abandon the thought of changing the amount and repeal last year's increase immediately," Liston said yesterday in a statement.

Liston emphasized in his statement that 60 percent of the student body opposed the fee hike in last year's referendum. But last My, Liston was pointing to a different referendum figure--the 22 percent student turnout, which, he said, proved that students were deferring to the council's decision.

"If there were significant opposition to the U.C., I think it would have seen stronger participation in the referendum," Liston said on May 13, adding "No, I would not support rescinding our votes."

Why the change of heart?

"Those who voted in last year's referendum are our friends, classmates, dorm mates and fellow Harvard students," Liston wrote. "These students should never believe that the UC is some detached body with no interest in what other students want."

Liston also announced a reversal of his position on the option students have to check a box on term-bills and waive the council fee. He will now push to withdraw the council's official opposition to the check-box option.

Liston had been one of the most vocal critics of the check option. "Why should a student get to enjoy Yardfest and all the benefits the U.C. has provided for them for free?" he asked The Crimson on March 18.

Bonfili, for one, was skeptical about Liston's motives.

"I think it's awfully curious that a person who was the anti-populist last year has suddenly done an about-face in the week prior to an important election," he said.