By RUTH, Amicus Curiae Writer

AUSTIN, Texas - Second-year law student Brandon Crisp announced his intention to run for Student Bar Association president on Wednesday. Shortly after announcing his decision, he joined forces with candidates for other SBA positions, completing the party that is now known as "The Ticket."

Student reaction to the announcement and formation of The Ticket has been positive, with a number of students, including this very blogger, coming out in support of Crisp over his opponent, second-year Casey Kaplan. Many of Crisp's supporters point to his charm, easy-going nature, and ability to get things done as reasons for standing behind him. Some students, however, have other reasons.

"He's just really hot," one first-year female student told Amicus Curiae. "Wait, you aren't going to tell him I said that, are you?"

One group of students is particularly happy to see Crisp's name on the ballot. They are known as The Ticket, and they quickly approached Crisp about joining them. Amicus Curiae talked to Brad Domangue, a first-year student running for Vice President of Operations (and talented Medley singer in Assault & Flattery).

"We were really hoping that Brandon would run," Brad said during this Saturday's SBA Boat Party. "A few of us are in his mentor group, so we knew he'd make a great SBA president. You look like you need another drink, can I get you a mimosa?"

Because Amicus Curiae is dedicated to making the UT Law experience the best it can be, this blog has decided to support The Ticket, and denies any allegations of improper influence. The drinks that Sean Griffin (candidate for Secretary) brought me at the TLF party were on the free tab, to which I was entitled as a TLF supporter. There is nothing improper about him bringing them to me. Furthermore, rumors of Stephanie Hui's (candidate for VP of Programming) hopeless crush on me have been greatly exaggerated (not that she could be blamed, mind you).

Other contested races for which members of The Ticket are running include: State Bar of Texas Representative (John Hryhorchuk--don't worry that you can't pronounce his last name, just circle "John" on the ballot) and Second Year Representatives (Dave "Tuition Remix" O'Connell and Steve "I Once Drank Beer From a Boot" Reeder).

According to several anonymous sources who may or may not exist (and you won't find out unless I'm forced to testify before a Grand Jury on the matter), The Ticket is the way to go for current 1Ls and 2Ls who want the 2006-2007 school year to be even better than this year. "They have some good plans," Anonymous said while drinking a bloody mary on Saturday. "Damn, this is spicy."

When asked about those ideas, Brad Domangue was only happy to tell Amicus Curiae all about them. "We had a lot of firm sponsorship of bar tabs this year, but we're hoping to get even more of our Bar Review tabs picked up next year. We're also going to try to get a faculty-student wiffle ball game going. We think it might attract more actual participation from faculty, rather than just team sponsorship. We'll make a rule that you can't peg the professors, even if they did give you a B-minus." Additionally, The Ticket supports the return of weekly kegs with professors and administrators on or near campus, in order to promote collegial relationship between students and those grading our finals. "Just don't make an ass of yourself for more than three consecutive weeks," Domangue added.

During Saturday's Boat Party, Amicus Curiae had a chance to speak with Brandon Crisp himself as he was loading the boat with champagne. AC wanted to know what made him decide to run for president. "Oh, I don't know," he said, blushing slightly and smiling in that charming way of his that makes girls' (and probably guys') hearts flutter a bit. "I was back and forth on it. It was a tough call, because Casey's a good guy. But in the end, I just thought that I've got good ideas that I want to see implemented."

Crisp is definitely full of good ideas. He fought to get the Spazmatics to play at Casino Night, a band which kept students on the dance floor during most of law school's equivalent of prom. "And he supports LRAP (Loan Repayment Assistance Program) and gave more to TLF than anyone else in our section last year," said Shirley Horng, a second-year student.

"And he's funny as hell," another student said on Saturday. "I'm sorry, I think I may have just spilled some of my beer on you."

Funny, handsome, good ideas, and a great taste in 80s cover bands? That's the ticket, if you ask me.