But his day ended in the late hours of the night with a defeat seven months after his race for Ingham County Commissioner began.

Mark Grebner, the Democratic incumbent candidate, defeated Dennis for the seat. As of press time, Grebner had obtained a reported 66.3 percent of the votes with five-sixths of precincts reporting.

Dennis, an international relations sophomore, said he hadn’t slept in nearly three days or eaten in about 24 hours. Standing outside Wilson Hall, Dennis was recognized by several students.

Fisheries and wildlife sophomore Dan Myers even asked for Dennis’ autograph.

“That was a first,” Dennis said earlier in the afternoon. “I didn’t think he was serious. … That will be the highlight of the day. Unless I win — then it’ll be the second-greatest moment of the day.”

As a former intern for U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers and campaigner for former gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos, Dennis felt he had the experience to earn a commissioner position.

“Either way, it’s still a loss,” Dennis said

An MSU alumnus, Grebner has been involved with Ingham County in some capacity since 1977.

He said voters were swept up by the fact that his opponent was a student.

“Nothing is wrong with a student running, but no one has talked about issues with him,” Grebner said.

Grebner has helped create a single integrated bus system on campus.

“Those are the sort of things I’ll do while in public office,” he said.

“I’ve dedicated my entire adult life to running the county and trying to provides services in East Lansing.”

But just because the race has ended for Dennis, he doesn’t plan to stay holed up in his Case Hall dorm room forever.

“I’m going to take some time off,” he said. “But I’m sure (the public) will be hearing from me.”