DAVID HARDEN/Arizona Daily Wildcat Daniel Smith-Matthews, an ASUA Senate candidate, was endorsed by Wesley Clark while working on Clark's campaign. Matthews now carries a piece of paper that has Clark's signature for endorsement while on his own campaign trail.

ASUA candidates are gathering high-profile endorsements in addition to seeking the support of fellow candidates as they enter the final hours of the election race.

Wesley Clark, a former candidate for the 2004 democratic presidential nomination, endorsed Associated Students of the University of Arizona senatorial candidate Daniel Smith-Matthews, who volunteered on Clark's campaign.

Smith-Matthews says he spoke to Clark about his own political aspirations, and Clark signed an endorsement because he heard positive things about Smith-Matthews from the volunteer coordinator.

"Emotionally, it helped me because I feel I have the support from a great political leader who has also been through this," Smith-Matthews said.

Smith-Matthews also says the endorsement inspired confidence and caused him to work harder because he doesn't want the endorsement to go to waste.

Josh Shapiro, ASUA presidential candidate, also received the endorsement of an American politician, Rep. Ben Cardin, D-Md., whom Shapiro interned with last summer.

In addition to Cardin, former ASUA presidential candidates Amanda Meaker and Brian Raphel have thrown their support behind Shapiro.

"Josh is a student leader looking to make ASUA a more inclusive organization," Meaker said in a letter to the Arizona Daily Wildcat.

Meaker also says she supports Shapiro because his involvement and leadership with other campus organizations have given him the skills necessary to succeed as ASUA president.

Although other candidates may not have political leaders on their side, they are campaigning this week to gather support from organizations and students on campus.

Alistair Chapman, ASUA presidential candidate, has an extensive list of students' endorsements online ÷ such as Nick Green, an Arizona Students' Association director, and Jennie Won, Alpha Kappa Psi president. Both are former campaign managers for J.P. Benedict.

But Chapman says his focus has been on having personal contact with students by campaigning more than 12 hours a day. His daily agenda includes one-on-one interaction with students on the UA Mall and visiting almost 15 clubs per night.

"I pride my campaign as trying to make myself as available as possible for the students," said Chapman, who campaigns seven days a week. "Every single vote counts, and I want to keep working hard."

Renee Skau, president of Skyview Hall Government, says they endorsed senatorial candidate Nathan Bell, an executive member of the Residence Hall Association.

"He understands the commitment it takes to be on a governing body," Skau said.

Senatorial candidates are also taking a more creative approach to campaigning this year.

Fernando Ascencio, ASUA senatorial candidate, covered his campaign manager, Kevin Do, a business administration senior, in duct tape and flyers, then paraded Do around campus.

"In my infinite wisdom, I have learned that duct tape is dependable, durable and long lasting," said Do. "Just like Fernando Ascencio."

But Steven Eddy hasn't depended on a campaign manager's assistance, because it allows him to put more of his heart into his campaign.

"I reach students by contacting organizations and clubs on campus," Eddy said. "It allows them to voice their concerns, which is definitely the most important aspect."

Patrick Brennan, ASUA senatorial candidate, is proud to claim zero expenses up through the primary elections, as he found fliers to be a nuisance because they cause excessive clutter on campus.

"I tried to gain more name recognition during the petition process by aiming for a far greater number of signatures than ASUA required," said Brennan.

Nonetheless, for the upcoming campaign week, Brennan is willing to spend money, as it is much more profitable to campaign strongly toward the end, he said.

Although ASUA does not allow students to officially run together, candidates aren't hesitant about whom they support.

Chapman, Jordan Miller, an administrative vice presidential candidate, and Blake Buchanan, an executive vice presidential candidate, have campaigned together by speaking at campus organizations together.

"Blake and I were in Freshman Class Council together, so I've seen his experience," said Miller. "And Alistair is someone I know will do a good job because he has great skills."

Shapiro and Clint Walls, an administrative vice presidential candidate, also openly endorse each other.

"Our platforms are very complimentary, and we're coming from the same perspective," Walls said. "We're operating on the same wavelength."

Presidential candidates will participate in an ASUA-sponsored debate today at noon on the stage north of the Student Union Memorial Center.

ASUA general elections will be held tomorrow and Thursday.

To vote, go online to asua.arizona.edu