Cooke said that, while she has not yet received any such request, if either campaign group applies to become an independent student group, that request will likely be granted.

"If they think the purpose of their organization would be served better in a separate group, that can probably be arranged," she said. "It's important for the College Democrats to decide what the best strategy for them is."

Marcie B. Bianco '02, chair of the Students for Gore, said she thinks that both groups will benefit from their relationship to the College Democrats.

"We're here for the Democrats in general, and we'd like to keep them all together," Bianco said. "The College Democrats are such a prominent club, so it's a good way for us to publicize our efforts."

Joseph N. Sanberg '01, president of the College Democrats, said that both Students for Bradley and Students for Gore benefit from use of his group's e-mail list and the ability to poster and reserve rooms using the College Democrats' name.

This year, the College Democrats will apply for additional campaign funding, which will be split evenly between the two groups. McLoughlin and Bianco are also non-voting members of the organization's executive board.

According to Bianco, the executive board discusses ways to support both candidates at each of its meetings.