"I think the system whereby anyone who pays dues a week before the election can vote ought to be changed," she wrote. "I don't think non-active members ought to be choosing our leadership and any steps I took that contributed to such a system were only defensive measures."

Other members of the HRC who were involved with the election said that they felt recruitment outside of party lines was not appropriate.

"I don't like the fact that non-participants come in and decide our election," said Letalien, who said he nonetheless advised Sheley that recruiting from outside the club "was part of politics, and she should do the same thing," he said. Letalien said he believed similar tactics were used in last year's elections.

"I think any large-scale recruiting of Democrats would be unfair," Smith said. "Any substantial bringing out of Democrats is inappropriate."

Porter said he believed campaigning ought to be directed only to those of "similar political persuasion."

In the aftermath of the election, Porter said he advocates "reforms that make sense and ensure that people feel comfortable with the campaign."

Brinton, however, said the club must be careful not to exclude potential members on the basis of their beliefs.

"It is contrary to the goals of this club to condition one's acceptance into the club on any sort of litmus test," he wrote.