The Residence Hall Student Association began its political race last night as candidates for the 2007-08 presidential and vice presidential elections introduced themselves as future leaders.

Last night, five prospective students announced their candidacy goals to residential audiences, hoping to bring about future changes to the residence halls.

Presidential candidates Wade Caves, Andrew Clark and Jess Terry and vice presidential candidates Alex Cutler and Melvin Donaldson declared their potential plans of action for next year. Each candidate gage a three-minute speech to present themselves, followed by a question session from the audience. Each candidate closed by asking for the vote of the residents.

"The goal of RHSA is to be an advocate to the residents of the halls," RHSA Officer Selection Committee Chair Marley Blonsky said. "Residents serve as part of the programming body. To ensure people are satisfied with their needs, we work with Housing and Food Services and all hall councils. RHSA is student-run and we want to make living in the halls a better experience for students."

To be eligible for an RHSA executive position, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA and must have lived in a residence hall at the UW for a minimum of two quarters.

Reach reporter Vicky Yan at news@thedaily.washington.edu.