How very cool. Can't wait to see it, especially the "promote her record" part. All of my old links to news stories are dead- I need links to facts that I can whip out on these people when the situation warrants.
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — When it comes to campaigning for governor these days, it's all about the Internet.
On Monday, Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm's campaign plans to unveil a new Web site that gives her grass-roots supporters ways to promote her record and defend her against attacks through letters to the editor, house parties and other tactics.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm starting to shoot at everything that moves out here- including other Democrats and liberals. I don't like that feeling.
The new Web site's slogan is "Fight Back! Put Michigan First." It builds on the theme in ads the Michigan Democratic Party is running promoting the governor's jobs plan.
Lt. Gov. John Cherry said the new Web site will help the campaign communicate directly with supporters.
"To win elections, you have to campaign on a person-to-person basis," he said. "Now the relationship can be much more direct. ... It allows for a great deal of two-way communication with people right in their neighborhoods."
Right in their own homes, actually. Armchair activism for shy people like me.
I also think they have figured out that the Internet is a cash cow, too. So easy to just click a button and send $$.
Granholm campaign manager Howard Edelson said the constant stream of television ads the DeVos campaign has run since mid-February has caused many Democrats to call the Granholm campaign asking what they can do to help.
"One of the ways we'll be able to compete with that (the ads) is people," he said. "I think people fundamentally understand that we're going to be outspent."
-snip-
The gubernatorial candidates and the parties also are using the Web to raise money.
Edelson said the Granholm campaign has raised $50,000 to $100,000 so far from donors over the Internet.
McNeilly declined to say how much the DeVos campaign has raised in total through Internet donations, but he noted the campaign reported at the end of 2005 that it had raised more than $92,000 from those giving over the Web.
One misconception that people have about the Internet and blogs is that it is just a bunch of kids and radicals typing out their angry missives. (who, me?) If you look at the demographics at Kos, you will find it's actually a bunch of middle-aged professional people that have disposable income. They can raise bucks in a heartbeat.
BUT- I hope everyone realizes that we are still a small part of the "base", and most folks don't go to the Internet to look at political sites. It's growing, to be sure, but we aren't there yet.
I can see a day when direct mail will be a thing of the past, though. There still is a need for it now (put bumperstickers in those mailings, someone!)- but eventually it will be gone. We will all be on the 'net.