Several sources on the council, includingoutgoing President David L. Hanselman '94-'95,have termed Fine the favorite in this race.

In a one-page letter reprinted in Fine'sposition statement, Hanselman wrote that he"cannot more strongly endorse Randy Fine, andI...ask each...of you to join me in electing himour next Council president."

Liston's announcement came as a surprise tomost council observers.

Just weeks after losing a bid for thepresidency this fall, Liston was booted from thecouncil for excessive absences. He wassubsequently reinstated.

"I definitely think people should take it intoconsideration," Liston said of his intermittentattendance. "I think that's a strike against mefrom last semester."

Liston pledges to lead a council that is moreresponsive to student concerns. He even intends tobroadcast his platform directly to the students,saying he will run "two campaigns" in his bid forthe presidency--the usual campaign among councilmembers, as well as a "student-wide campaign."

Liston has drawn up a one-page position paperthat he said will be hand-delivered to every dormroom on campus.

On the sheet, 10 promises--including aguaranteed visit from a member of the executiveboard to every undergraduate room--are enumerated.Students are instructed to call theirrepresentatives if they support Liston's ideas.

Liston's tenure on the council has been astormy one. As vice president last spring, herepeatedly came under fire for administrativeincompetence. He was nearly kicked out of officefor failing to expel several council members withexcessive absences