The Michigan Supreme Court ruled this summer that the state's ban on homosexual marriage precludes public institutions like the University from extending same-sex partner benefits.

Currently, the University has a provision which allows employees to provide health care benefits to an "other qualified adult" — someone who has power of attorney over the employee, has lived with the employee for at least six months, shares a credit or bank account and is the primary beneficiary in the employee's will, life insurance or retirement plan.

"I think we've got to keep in mind, if there is a law in place, the University — as well as all the other citizens of the state — must abide by that law, and certainly I would seek to encourage the University to do that," LaFond said of the policy.

LaFond said his fiscal conservatism would make him an effective regent on the eight-member board, which has a 6-2 Democratic majority. Two seats currently occupied by Democrats are up for grabs on Election Day.

"There is no other regent, either here now or as one of the candidates, that is more prepared than I to do this on the first day," he said.

Of the four major-party candidates running, LaFond is the second-highest spender, ranking behind Democratic hopeful Denise Ilitch, who spent about $35,000 on her campaign by September. While Illitch and the other candidates received donations from supporters, LaFond's campaign is entirely self-financed.

After Republican presidential candidate John McCain pulled his campaign out of Michigan, LaFond said he redoubled his campaign efforts, increasing the time he spent talking with students and their families. He said he wasn't worried about the possible effects of a Republican loss at the top of the ticket on his candidacy.

LaFond, who has two sons that attend the University, said he was committed to winning the election and serving the University.

"It's a great university," LaFond said. "I wouldn't be giving my heart and soul to any other cause than this one."