Realist Party Promises To Do Nothing At All

Story by Jacob Zlomke 

| Published Feb 23, 2010

On March 3, University of Nebraska-Lincoln students will be asked to elect a new governing party to ASUN. On the ballot will be the parties of Renew, Fusion, N Vision, and the relatively young, Realist Party.

James Liston, Realist Party presidential candidate, said he feels his party, though new and unknown compared to the other three parties, has a good chance of winning over the student body with its “refreshing” platform.

“As a party, it’s our goal not to beat around the bush. Everything with us is transparent and honest, and we think that’s something the students of UNL need and will appreciate,” Liston said.

The party held its first campaign event two weeks ago in an effort to familiarize students with the party and its platform. External vice presidential candidate Evan Clifford spoke on the party’s focuses.

“Our main purpose as a party isn’t to get the students cheaper parking passes, something that has been tried again and again without result, or to address problems with 475-RIDE or any other pipe dreams. If the Realist Party takes office, we won’t change anything. Neither will any other party, but the difference is we won’t act like we’re going to make change,” Clifford said. “That way when you vote for us, you can feel like you voted for people that actually accomplished what they said they would.”

Liston said he is excited about the prospect of taking office for an entire year for the sake of holding office.
“There isn’t really an easier way we could do it,” Liston said. “ASUN presidency is an easy job if you just take it for what it is—nothing. And that’s what we’re trying to do this year. We’re all very excited to see how it works out.”

Liston said that if he is not elected this year, he will give it a try again next year.

“If the Realist Party thing doesn’t work out,” Liston said, “I’ll just give it a go next year with the promise of connecting East and City campuses. That seems to work.”