Prior to UNL's decision to call off William Ayers speech, University of Nebraska Regent candidates Tim Clare and Earl Scudder shared their thoughts on the topic.

Tim Clare, joined others in calling for the University to rescind its speaking invitation to William Ayers.

Ayers, a leader of the violent Weather Underground protest group in the 1960's, was scheduled to speak at an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the UNL teachers college. Ayers is now an education professor at the University of Illinois Chicago.

"I'm disappointed that our leadership is inviting him to our campus, and it's time for somebody to stand up for the taxpayers of this state and say enough is enough," Clare said. "I asked the University to rescind the invitation, and not have Mr. Ayers come to our campus on November 15."

Clare's opponent, Earl Scudder, called the invitation "a rare example of poor judgement".

"if they properly investigated that background when he was invited in February," said Scudder. "I would hope he would not have been invited to address the University students."

But Scudder stopped short of demanding the University rescind the invitation.

"I don't think it's appropriate for any of us as University supporters or candidates for the board of regents to be trying to pressure people to avoid unpopular figures."