Maybe instead of trying to "take the high road" and refusing to confront Wharton, Dr. Landry and UL's suporters need to get down in the gutter with Wharton and fight back. Instead of remaining silent maybe we need to lay out some facts to show what our resources are and what is being accomplished with those resources and then ask for a comparison of State's resources and what they are accomplishing. Show that UL is providing a bang for the buck.
There is no guarantee, given the politcal history in this state, that fighting back will allow UL to come out on top. But I can guarantee that remaining passive and silent is a sure road to defeat.
"If he comes at you with a knife, you pull a gun."