Set to bring NEIU influence to Model Illinois Government, student Al Cordero won the Governor’s seat for 2008-2009.
Model Illinois Government (MIG) is a state-wide, student operated organization which coordinates and manages the annual governmental simulation.
Along with Cordero, the NEIU delegation brought home the Secretary of State, Comptroller and Chief Justice. NEIU’s Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President Kimberly Murphy won the Comptroller seat that was previously held by Cordero. SGA Senator Jason Garcia won the Secretary of State. Former SGA President Eron McCormick is the new MIG Chief Justice.
“Historically, NEIU had, for years, been disgraced and embarrassed as to how the delegates had behaved during past simulations,” said Cordero. “That is until three years ago when a small group of leaders, including myself, set out to change all that.”
Though this was a simulation, Cordero felt that this was the closest to experiencing real government.
NEIU also received one of the highest honors with the Outstanding Large Delegation Award. Kimberly Murphy received the Donna Lennon Award for being an “outstanding house committee member.” Also, SGA Senator Paul Harris received the David Hunt Award for being an “outstanding house committee chair.”
For Cordero, winning the Governor’s seat meant overcoming adversity because last year’s MIG tried unsuccessfully to impeach him. With a 56 – 43 vote, the Senate echoed, “We love Cordero,” a statement that was yelled across the assembly to acquit him of his charges.
Cordero could not remember the last time NEIU held this many executive board members. “Four [executive board members] is just amazing,” he said, getting off the bus after returning from MIG.
MIG simulation was held February 28 – March 2, in Springfield, IL.