"It's because they identify with the vision that we have," said vice presidential candidate Fentrice Driskell '01 of her team's enthusiasm.

"I think people just agree with our platform," Seton said, conceding that, "a lot of them happen to be our friends."

But those who are helping with campaign teams say their primary motives lie in candidates' platforms more than personal ties and in a desire to work toward progress through the council.

"I'm willing to go out and do work for them because I have a pretty good sense of what their goals are. I think they can bring some good to this campus, so I'm willing to help," Jessica A. Bowen '00 said of Seton and Redmond. "It's my way of being involved in the U.C."

Bowen has noticed a tendency among peers to question her dedication to the campaign team.

"People have been asking me a lot over the past week why I'm willing to put so much time into it," Bowen said. "I'm surprised that people have asked that. I don't know why I have to get something out of it personally."

Perhaps the prospect of postering in the wee hours of the morning doesn't have universal appeal on campus, but Bowen said the commitment is worth it in the long run.

"No, I'm not thrilled about 8 a.m., but I'll get over it," Bowen said.

Stone said the commitment team members have made runs counter to charges that students don't trust the council.

"They believe in us and they want to see something good being done by the UC," he said. "It's an example of altruism. They have done an enormous amount of work with really no personal benefit."

Student group leaders also parcel out precious time to support campaigns.

"I think that student group leaders see themselves as inextricably tied to the fate of the Undergraduate council," Redmond said.

Burton said those leaders who joined his campaign cited platform issues as their motive, particularly issues that relate to council effectiveness.

"We're all rallied around our central issue--the U.C. isn't listening to students," Burton said.

Friends and fellow student leaders populate most campaigns, but the bulk of those postering and coordinating late-night strategy sessions are fellow council representatives. Seton estimated that more than half of the council is serving on a campaign team.