I am writing this letter to clarify a few items concerning the Daily Collegian's article, "Controversy Rocks USG." Mainly, I am writing to defend the actions of Mike Devine, a friend of mine.

Last semester, I watched Mike become completely frustrated and disenchanted with the Undergraduate Student Government Senate. No matter how hard he tried, nothing ever seemed to get done in USG. If you don't think that the problem is that bad, try to recall one thing that USG accomplished last semester. Can't think of one? Neither can I.

Mike's frustration with USG was not the only reason he left. Mike Devine resigned from senate because his grades were suffering from all the time he spent working for a completely lethargic student government.

The speculation by USG President Chris Saunders, that Mike left as a planned political move is completely unfounded. This is a below the belt shot at the personal integrity of both Mike Devine and Erich May.

I know Erich May and I know he would not and did not prompt Mike to leave USG. Mike mentioned that he and Erich are friends, but I would like to clarify that by saying they are friendly acquaintances. I consider any speculation that they are plotting political tactics together to be an insult to the personal integrity of both Mike and Erich. If Erich May runs for USG president, he will want to win because of his own merits and not because of mudslinging politics.

I suggest that Chris Saunders keep his opinions to himself unless he can provide proof of any plot against him. At least Mike Kilng has enough political savvy to keep his mouth shut. I will close this by saying that neither Mike nor Erich know that I am writing this letter. I am simply writing of my own free will because I hate to see them being dragged through the mud.