There are only two legitimate contenders in the race for student body president: J.P. Benedict and current Administrative Vice President Jered Mansell.

Benedict, a business administration and marketing senior, has never held an elected position in the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, but he's been actively involved in the Freshman Class Council, which he co-founded.

Benedict has a relaxed, confident personality that would represent the student body well. He also seems to be well educated on campus issues, and has a strong understanding of the student body president's role: to be an informed and in-tune advocate for students.

This year the candidates are serious, providing a much more competitive race than last time around.

Unfortunately, he supports the logic behind the student tuition proposal that devotes more money to financial aid than to bailing the university out of financial disaster.

But his views on defining who is "needy," which focus less on race and more on individual circumstances, show integrity.

And although he talks tuition, Benedict's focus on building school spirit and pride is a welcome departure from the typical focus student candidates take on state political issues.

His platform is focused on the student body, not the typical goal of advancing the power of the ASUA presidency.

Benedict's goals are achievable and refreshing.

Mansell, a political science senior, has nearly two years experience in his pocket. He served as a student senator before being elected administrative vice president last spring.

Mansell has matured greatly as a leader since just a year ago. He admits his campaign promises last year were out of reach, like bringing in barrels of corporate sponsorships to compensate for budget cuts, and building a pedestrians' highway through the middle of campus.

But that's all behind him, and now Mansell has his sights set on continuing Doug Hartz's work to build a bridge between students and administrators.

Mansell's energy and enthusiasm for the job are less obvious than those of Benedict, but Mansell carries an air of professionalism that is needed for the high-profile position.

Mansell's experience as administrative vice president could come in handy when dealing with organizations like SafeRide and the University Activities Board, which are central to some of his campaign promises.

The other contender, Senator Travis Pritchett, has little to offer as a candidate.

He deserves some credit for working to improve campus lighting, one of his campaign platforms last spring.

Pritchett was the only senator to abstain from voting on sending the student tuition stance forward, and he seems to lack the motivation to educate himself on the issues that matter.

He doesn't display any knowledge of campus issues, which is an embarrassment and a disservice to the students who voted him into office.

The heart of his platform is bringing more concerts to UA, something ASUA has failed at time and time again.

It's important to note, however, that Benedict and Mansell both support more student government funded concerts.

Give it up! ASUA has failed at this, and frankly it's not the job of a governance to have rock concerts on the Mall. Leave the job up to the guys and gals who know how to do it: the University Activities Board.

Nevertheless, if both Benedict and Mansell advance to the general election, students will see a much more competitive election than last year's, when Hartz beat out the rugby-playing Aaron Black with an overwhelming 79 percent of the vote.

Senators Victoria Ruan and Dan Suh should step ahead in the other contested race for the primary, administrative vice president.

Ruan has a deep interest in improving ASUA's programs and services, with a focus on women and safety issues.

She realized early on that she had little power as senator, so instead she worked inside of ASUA and contributed to the programs already in place.

There is only one disturbing thing about Ruan. As a senator, she voted to send forward a tuition proposal that she admits she does not personally support.

Suh is a contentious, articulate contender.

He's practical and wants to be more critical of spending to programs and services.

Despite some spin about how much he's achieved as a senator, Suh admits his goals were lofty.

He's humble, candid and would serve as a good role model for program directors.

Former assistant elections commissioner Talianna Kattan has good intentions, but lacks the vision of the other two candidates.

While she could probably get the job done, Kattan would be better off gaining more experience in student government.

She has a genuine interest in working for students and would be valuable to the organization.