It took more than four hours of heated debate and arguments, but the Associated Students of Madison eventually elected Eric Varney as the 2005-06 chair Monday night. Less than 10 minutes later, ASM members elected Dylan Rath as vice chair.

ASM began its election with the nominations of Varney and Eyal Halamish for the chair position, but after two elections failed to produce a majority vote, ASM members nominated a third candidate, Jennifer Knox.

The nomination of Knox precipitated the resignation of Halamish, whose eligibility was frequently brought into question by Varney supporters because last year Halamish was appointed as a Governance Committee Chair and was not actually elected to an ASM position.

“My main goal next year is to revamp the ASM image,” Varney said while debating Halamish. Varney added he also considers rising textbook prices a serious issue.

Varney also promised to help lower tuition by “keeping segregated fees down, because that’s what ASM can control.”

Regarding his political leanings, Varney said he “airs a little bit on the conservative side” but emphasized he has no personal agenda.

Following the nomination of Jennifer Knox, many of Varney’s supporters questioned the dedication of Knox considering her last-minute entry, but Varney insisted Knox’s nomination did not bother him.

“I think it’s totally okay to do,” Varney said. “This is all part of the democratic process.”

Two more inconclusive elections between Varney and Knox were conducted before Varney finally prevailed with 17 votes in his favor and 13 for Knox.

Several ASM members were outspoken in their criticism of Knox’s late entry.

ASM Finance Committee Chair Barbara Kiernoziak loudly criticized a fellow member’s proposal to reopen the nomination process as “totally inappropriate,” as she believed the election of a last minute nominee would not have credibility.

Kiernoziak also was outspoken concerning Halamish’s eligibility, as she predicted a lawsuit would be filed against ASM if Halamish was elected chair.

“I think that there’s going to be a lawsuit,” Kiernoziak said. “Anytime that he has to vote on any budgets, there could be legal consequences.”

Halamish himself acknowledged the controversial nature of his position, and said after speaking with Student Judiciary Chief Justice Nathanial Romano, he expected a lawsuit would come if he were elected, but that his side would win in the court of law.

Varney took his position as chair immediately after being elected, and assumed responsibilities for the remainder of the night. He committed his first error shortly thereafter when he did not follow correct procedural matters in the election of John Brunning as secretary.

Varney preemptively revealed the tally of the roll call vote, and then asked if any members wanted to change their votes, at which time ASM member Brandon Sivret changed his vote resulting in a tie. Varney quickly acknowledged his mistake and conducted a second vote, resulting in the uncontested election of Brunning for ASM secretary.

ASM members also voted on chairs for the 2005-06 committees. Results were not available at press time.