Raucous cheers filled the air outside of the Orange & Brew early Thursday morning as the Unite Party swept UF's Student Government spring elections, taking 42 of the 50 available Senate seats as well as the Executive ticket.
Just after midnight, SG's Supervisor of Elections Dan Siegel announced the domination of the Unite Party to the crowd of about 150. The Progress Party snagged eight Senate seats.
The Orange and Blue Party and the Keg Party walked away empty-handed.
Siegel said 9,847 students voted in the election. Around 8,000 students voted in the 2008 spring election.
The Unite crowd rippled with rhythmic cheers of "U-Unite! U-U-Unite!" as supporters hugged and high-fived each other outside the Reitz Union Game Room.
Victorious presidential candidate Jordan Johnson attributed his win partly to a clean campaign and the passion of his party.
He admitted there were other factors at play.
"We had really damn good Greek support," Johnson said, before the results were announced.
Johnson's parents attended the occasion.
His mother, Darlene, had tears streaming down her face.
"We're just elated," she said. "It's just in his blood. His dad's a four-term state legislator. He grew up watching him. He was obviously paying attention."
Johnson's father, Randy, R-Celebration, was a representative in the Florida House from 1998 to 2006.
"We're very proud. Jordan has dedicated himself to the students," he said.
Meanwhile, the losing parties stood dejectedly, shaking their heads.
"This just shows what happens when the independent movement can't get on the same page when they're facing a behemoth," said Sen. Mark McShera, presidential candidate for the Orange and Blue Party.
Meanwhile, Progress Party presidential candidate Ben Dictor took a drag on his cigar at the announcement of Unite's Executive win.
"We demonstrated to the Student Body that an independent body can run and be victorious," he said, adding the party has made a name for itself.
Current Student Body President Kevin Reilly shouted, high-fived, hugged and fist-pumped when Johnson was announced as his successor.
"I was surprised. I was expecting a run-off," Reilly said. "I think I'm leaving Student Government in very good hands."
Results for the ballot's referendum questions were also announced, including one initiative to deny SG funding to facilities that require use of biometric data, such as a hand scan, for entry. About 64 percent of students voted to have a tobacco-free campus, and about 68 percent supported creating a fund for UF's Baby Gator program. Also, 88 percent voted in favor of changing Florida law to allow an Early Voting location on campus.
The last day of campaigning involved a strong push from all parties involved. Many touted party signs between Turlington Plaza and Plaza of the Americas.
When polls closed at 8 p.m., party members headed our to pop open a few beers and relax before meeting at the Orange and Brew around midnight to hear results.
About 30 members of the Progress Party packed the outside patio of Tim and Terry's, the local pub known for its live music and gritty atmosphere.
The air was thick with cigar smoke and live jazz music from inside. At least three cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon were ordered before the party headed over to congregate at the Orange and Brew.
The mood was optimistic but cautious as candidates discussed their chances.
"Whether or not we won the war just yet, I don't know, but we definitely beat the counter revolutionaries," the party's presidential candidate Ben Dictor said, wearing a maroon beret and leather Member's Only jacket.
Topics of conversation included Ayn Rand, scientology and Sarah Palin.
Meanwhile, the mood was celebratory at The Swamp Restaurant, the top floor of which was rented out by the Unite Party. About 75 party supporters attended, drinking and chatting about the election season
Down the way, about 30 Orange and Blue Party supporters gathered at Gator City to hang out before heading over to the Orange & Brew around 10:30 p.m.
Cheers of "Let's Go Gator" rang out from members of the Orange and Blue Party when the Unite Party arrived at the Orange & Brew around midnight. The Progress Party was the first to arrive around 10:45 p.m. occasionally launching into a deep baratone rendition of "Solidarity Forever."
Most parties shelled out more than $5,000 for their campaigns. The Orange and Blue Party spent $5,204.50 and the Progress Party spent $5,152.35. The Unite Party surpassed both, spending $8,324.54, while the Keg Party, which only ran candidates for the executive ticket raised about $200.
The night's beer tab was about $370 at the Orange & Brew.
The Orange and Blue Party spent $720 on airing campaign ads against the Unite Party.
McShera said he did not regret.
"The fact that Jordan Johnson doesn't think he has to follow Florida law is worth voters knowing," he said, referring to the ad in which Johnson is quoted during an Elections Commission meeting.
Nick Mildebrath, running on the Progress Party ticket, said the ad was false.
"On every level the ad was crap," Mildebrath said.
Johnson said he felt rewarded for running a clean campaign.
"Nobody wants to hear you say bad things about somebody especially when they're not true," he said.
There have been about 40 elections complaints filed so far. The latest 15, filed Wednesday, will be discussed in a Friday meeting.
Editor's Note: Sixty-one percent of student voters approved the initiative to deny SG funding to facilities that require the use of biometric data, such as a hand scans, for entry.
