"To a certain extent, this [kind of debate] is what we expected when we started PUCC, and what we wanted," Simons said. "I would like to see people more politically honest about their views on the council floor and in the election process."

The first-ever College-wide elections of the council's president and vice president will occur next month. Because HSF was just formed, the group has not made any decisions about the possibility of endorsing candidates or allowing non-council members who will be running to join, said council member Elizabeth A. Haynes'98.

"Personally, I would be very surprised if we did [endorse candidates]," said Haynes, who is running for vice president.

If HSF endorses a candidate, Simons said, then "they are even more of a political party than PUCC ever was."

PUCC did not endorse candidates during the council-wide elections in fall and has no plans to do so now, Simons said.

Other council members who are not affiliated with either coalition expressed some concerns about the divisiveness on the council.

Campus Life Committee Co-chair Tally Zingher '99, who was considering joining HSF, said she was unsure if it would be in the best interests of the council.

"I think they've got a lot of good points," Zingher said. "But I'm apprehensive that this might lead to more divisiveness. I think it's made its point just by declaring itself. I want to know if it's going to help or hurt the council.