While candidates running for various positions threw accusations and indirect insults to respective opponents, the wrestlers “Future Legend” and “The Innovator” slammed bodies into chairs and unto the mat to win the fight.

In a more than ironic coincidence, the Wrestling Appreciation Club held its biggest event yet – a match between pro-wrestlers – on precisely the same day the Election Committee met to hear and vote on grievances in regard to the DASB 2001-2002 election.

Which event featured the nastier fighting, I cannot say.

However, the grievance meeting did have all the elements of a great show: microphones, a camera, a worked up crowd and fierce opponents. All that was missing was a ring, some spotlights and a pre-declared winner.

Now that the matches are over and the votes counted, I can see no clear-cut victors in the game for the 2001-2002 election.

It was a great show, and it kept me entertained. For the last few weeks up to the grievance meeting, I have seen silly campaigns, defamatory letters, crude insults and accusations of racism, ignorance and numerous other traits I hear about so often in the world of politics that I can hardly stomach them anymore.

What I’ve also heard beyond my pain tolerance level is promises that were made by all parties involved in the election.

As a voter at De Anza, I have been promised everything from saving the squirrels, improving education, holding biweekly Senate meetings in the patio, creating an alternative to the bookstore, supporting international students and changing the Election Code.

These are all great incentives, with the possible exception of saving the squirrels. I think they can look out for themselves.

Now, after the fight, the newly elected senators have to get down to business and live up to the promises made during the election match.

Wrestlers move on to another show in another town, but our senators are here to stay for an entire academic year.

Unlike wrestling, being on the Senate is not just for show, it’s for real. And it’s probably far less glamorous, too. It takes guts, responsibility and integrity. Above all, it takes dedication.

Wrestlers slip out of costume and prepare for the next big gig. The show must go on. For our newly elected senators, the arena will be the Senate, and the show will be to prove they can go beyond the mat of bitter political battles.

During this upcoming term, I hope fights will be picked carefully and disputes will be handled in a more civilized and mature way.

And come election next spring, I sincerely hope outgoing senators will leave a legacy of accomplishment and pride.

If history will repeat itself and senators won’t go beyond their promises, I swear I’ll renounce my journalistic duties for the next election period and go watch another wrestling match instead.

At least there, what you see is what you get.