Less than a week before the election that will render Student Government Association President Sam Howard a lame duck, she told The University News she wants Michael Harriss to be her successor.

Howard took time to reflect on the qualities of a successful president.

“You have to get what it means to be a student [and] care about SLU and want it to be the best university it can be,” she said.

“I do endorse Harriss. 100 percent. I love the team unity [Harriss’ ticket, The Next Step, has] and I know from experience how important it is,” she said.

Howard also said that Harriss’ demeanor is a plus for his presidential aspirations.

“I was immediately impressed by [Harriss]. I’ve seen a ridiculous amount of maturity from him,” she said

Howard said that while she was intrigued by presidential candidate Brian Hackworth Jr.’s plan to restructure SGA, she wasn’t convinced he could see it through.

“I am not at all opposed to restructuring things. . My concern is in my three years of knowing [Hackworth] I’ve heard some great ideas, I just haven’t seen any action from him.

“He’s abstained from voting twice . on huge issues. That’s a voice that wasn’t heard. I’m sorry but that’s a bunch of constituents who didn’t vote.”

A president needs to “make things happen,” Howard said.

“I want to see that [in Hackworth], but I haven’t.”

Hackworth got high marks from Howard for his “commanding presence,” and she thought that he should continue his efforts to increase school spirit.

“[For Hackworth], being a leader in school spirit is a good idea,” she said, mentioning a top position on the Billiken Traditions Task Force as a specific possibility for his future.

Howard did note that, while Harriss has done a “great job” as administrative vice president this year, his lack of experience with groups outside of SGA could be a weakness.

While she said she would likely vote for the rest of The Next Step’s executive board, she stopped short of an endorsement of the entire ticket.

Regardless of the results of Monday’s election, Howard pledged to take the president-elect under her wing for the remainder of her tenure.