Fine declined to speculate on how Gregoire's withdrawal would affect the race. But Hanselman, who has officiallyendorsed Fine, called him the "clearfront-runner."

"Brandon's withdrawal is of greatest advantageto Randy [Fine] for the simple reason that Brandonwas Randy's most formidable opponent, and whenyour most formidable opponent withdraws, that onlyenhances one's chances of being elected," theoutgoing council president said.

Gregoire's other opponents--Joshua D. Liston'95 and Rudd W. Coffey '97--did not return phonecalls last night.

Q&A

Last night's question-and-answer session, whichcame on the day after Wednesday's vituperativedebate, was largely substantive and entirelybarbfree.

The four candidates fielded queries frommembers of the council's Freshman Caucus in theback room of the Union.

The candidates began their discussion byresponding individually to a question about theirvisions for a campus life agenda.

Coffey, who chairs the Campus Life committee,recited a long list of ideas, including aHarvard-wide formal, a battle of the bands nightat the House of Blues and the return of theCharles River raft race.

Gregoire said he would push for a large-scalemusical event and a large-scale comedy event.

Liston, on the other hand, said he wanted thecouncil to think about how it could improveHarvard's social life "more fundamentally." Hecited several ideas--including the return offraternities and the introduction of shuttle busesto Boston--that he said he hoped would improve thetypical Harvard weekend.

Fine said the council should make a "big push"to bring in a major musical act. He said he alsowanted to see a large comedy concert and addedthat social events should, as a rule, be used "tounify the campus."

The candidates also fielded questions aboutstudent affairs projects and the role of theFreshman Caucus