With the California 2010 primary elections less than 1 week away, several of the state, congressional and local candidates are using twitter, Facebook, YouTube, blogs and e-mail to gain last minute donations and support.
Social media and video while running for office
Mark Reed (@mr4congress), running for the 27th district seat held by Brad Sherman, uses video once you enter his website. He uses Facebook and twitter to gain supporters, list events, list supporters, and let his base know his stand on the tough issues of the day.
Attorney general candidate John Eastman (@Eastman4AG) uses e-mail marketing to garner support. Once on his site, there is Facebook, twitter, YouTube and Flickr (photo sharing) available. He uses Facebook, twitter, and YouTube to gain supporters, list events, list endorsements, share photos and let his base know his stand on the legal issues of the day.
Supporters can gain instant access to the candidates, leaving their comments, thoughts and support for a candidate on their Facebook, twitter, or YouTube site. Supporters can also use their own Facebook, twitter, or YouTube site to show support for a candidate.
Social media and video while in office
Once in office, our politicians use Facebook, twitter, YouTube, blogs and e-mail to stay on the pulse of their constituents. Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas (@mridleythomas) uses all of these methods to keep in contact with constituents, take suggestions and inform people of 2nd district events. This is a great example of how to use Web 2.0 to keep up with your supporters.
Politics 2.0
These new methods of creating voter interest has allowed politicians who are seemingly unknown create a close election races. By using social media, viral video, blogs and e-mail a politician's message can go worldwide quickly, garnishing instant support. Politicians can raise money overnight, allowing them to come from relative obscurity. Politicians can instantly take the pulse of their constituents on any issue. Polls and discussions can be used in Facebook and twitter to gather insight on issues that supporters have. YouTube can be used to answer and suggest issues that politicians should be concerned about.
Web 2.0 can help politicians get and keep valuable supporters in their districts. Web 2.0 can also help the constituents keep the politicians accountable. If not, there's always the vote. Vote on June 8th.
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