One candidate for freshman class president can't name his counterpart in the Class of 2007, though he knows he's "a pretty sweet dude."
But don't worry, freshman voters - overall, the candidates scored well in the annual Daily Pennsylvanian quiz for freshman student-government hopefuls.
The DP administered the quiz on student government and campus issues to the freshman-class presidential candidates last night.
The eight candidates, out of twelve total, who showed up did admirably on the five-question quiz.
Everyone knew Penn's president is Amy Gutmann. All of the candidates were also able to name multiple issues on the agendas of Penn student-government branches.
But only two - Wharton freshman Brynne McNulty and Engineering freshman Brandon Hedvat - knew who the president of the senior class is.
"We've had limited contact with him," said Wharton freshman Arthur Smith, explaining why he did not know Wharton senior Andrew Kaplan's name.
McNulty and Hedvat were the only two candidates to receive perfect scores.
Most of the candidates said they had received information about student government from an information session last week run by the Nominations and Elections Committee, which manages student elections.
"During the info meeting, the board seemed very knowledgeable - very professional," Hedvat said.
The candidates then delved into why they felt they were best suited to lead the freshman class.
"The bottom line is this," said College freshman Mike Tate. He paused for a moment, then continued: "I've got more energy, expertise, edge. . I can execute, you know, get the job done."
Afterwards, candidates cut loose and talked about themselves.
"I'm a [expletive] genius!" Engineering freshman Matt Louie shouted, grinning at the candidates around him.
Others were a little more restrained in describing themselves.
"I'm from Alaska," said College freshman Claire Choi. "I like pirates, and it's weird having four seasons."
NEC Vice Chairman of Elections and College junior Dan Strigenz was pleased to hear how well the candidates performed on the quiz.
"I'm impressed by their enthusiasm," he said. "They have really taken advantage of all the resources available to them."
Voting kicks off on Penn InTouch tomorrow at 12:01 a.m. The candidates will introduce themselves to their classmates at the annual Midnight Breakfast, an NEC-sponsored meet-and-greet session with musical entertainment and food.
