In what could have been a very muddy election with cookie-cutter candidates, this year we are offered three slates that vary, if not on their platforms, in their degree of experience. Shawn Faurote and Vicky Lio offer a medium between the other two slates: they have some experience with student government, and they’ve got ideas for how to further that involvement.

The two are wide-eyed and ambitious. But while they are dedicated and riddled with good intentions, they lack the organization the other slates present. In a campaign that pits Faurote and Lio against students with vast experiences in very different realms, what they can offer students — though an impressive collection — just doesn’t stack up.

Is the road to a lost election paved with good intentions? Those are all Faurote and Lio have yet offered during their campaign for GSB president and vice president. They’re very active students. Lio, for instance, has dipped into a number of organizations, including reporting for the Iowa State Daily, a leadership position with Golden Key Honor Society and working with the Mock Trial Club. But added up do these experiences equal the skills a GSB executive needs?

Faurote, on the other hand, has roughly a year of GSB experience under his belt. But during that time, he’s only written one piece of legislation, an amendment to a bill. During a year that witnessed a very apathetic, inactive GSB Senate, more action from Faurote would have done wonders for this campaign.

This duo has more spins on words such as “communication” and “information” than ever imaginable. Their campaign is based on “increasing communication.” But that phrase is about as effective as “promoting awareness.” Nice words, nice idea — but it’s just rhetoric. What do promises like this mean? They sound a great deal like broad promises from administrators —polished political lingo that renders little to no effect.

They are able to speak on all issues, but they cannot provide any evidence of work or in-depth research. What Faurote and Lio need to focus on is what work they can do for students, not what broad ideals they hope to implement. If they can do that in less than a week, they will regain a fighting chance.