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By Kevin Lee (217)528-9604
SPRINGFIELD — These days, political candidates have to do more than put up yard signs, ring doorbells and shake hands to build up support before an election.
Candidates for governor and other statewide offices are using the Internet to communicate with voters. Many of these candidates are active with popular networking sites Facebook and Twitter.
Candidates will address some common topics on these websites, such as where they are on the campaign trail and what issues are important to them.
Even though the Internet is becoming popular in politics, Sam duPont with a Washington D.C. based think tank says candidates are still figuring out the best way to use the Internet.
Brad Hahn with Bob Schillerstrom’s campaign for governor says that the Internet is a useful supplement, not a substitute, for their traditional outreach efforts.
Hahn says the campaign’s online network helps organizers recruit volunteers and find new locations for yard signs.
Mark Sh-our-tee with Raja Krishnamoorthi’s [[KRISH-nuh-MORE-thee’s]] campaign for Illinois comptroller says candidates involved with the web leads to greater participation from voters.
Sh-our-tee says people can view the information on a candidate’s website and forward that information through the Internet and talk to others about issues.
Candidates for statewide office are hoping an online presence will help them in February’s statewide primary election.
