Bishop edges Moscona in election
ERIN LaRUFFA
Associate News Editor
In a race that was almost as close as Monday's primary, Notre Dame elected its second female student body president in history on Thursday.
Libby Bishop and running mate Trip Foley received 52.7 percent of the vote, just enough to give them a 211-vote victory over Brian Moscona and Keri Oxley, who received 46.6 percent.
"You really realize how good the other candidates are. It could have gone either way," said Bishop.
The fact that Bishop is a female will shape her administration, she said, especially with the 30th anniversary of women being admitted to the University coming up in the fall.
"I think it will add to the gender relations viewpoint," said Bishop, whose mother was in the second class of females to attend Notre Dame.
"It's so funny that her experience was so different," Bishop said.
Both she and Foley said they plan to start work on their platform goals immediately.
"There's a lot of things I can do before April 1," Bishop said. In particular, she mentioned bringing new head football coach Tyrone Willingham to the dorms, as well as expanding Flex Point meal plan options.
"I'm just ready to get to work," Foley said. "I think Libby will do a great job."
Foley was out to dinner with his parents when Judicial Council vice president of elections John McCarthy announced the election results.
Campaign manager Pat Hallahan had to call Foley on his cell phone to tell him he had won.
Foley's parents, who are in town for Junior Parents' Weekend, were in for a surprise.
"He never told his parents he was running," said Bishop.
However, once he told his parents he and Bishop had won, Foley said they were happy for him.
"They think it's great. They were just surprised — happily surprised," Foley said.
As Bishop and Foley prepare to begin their term, Moscona, currently serving as student body vice president, said he will work with them to ensure a smooth transition.
"We'll do everything we can to help Libby and Trip transition into office," he said. Moscona added that he and Oxley, sophomore class president, are grateful to their supporters and the effort they gave to the campaign.
Although neither Moscona nor Oxley have plans for when their terms end, each said they remain committed to working for students.
"Our love for this University and our working to serve the student body will in no way end," Oxley said. "We'll continue until we graduate."
All News Stories for Friday, February 15, 2002
