Social Media Plays Increasing Role In Campaigns

Chad Condit with Volunteers in Manteca, CA

Social media is playing an ever increasing role in this year’s political races at every level. Candidates have taken their message to voters via Facebook and Twitter in ever increasing numbers in an effort to maximize campaign resources and to reach the greatest number of voters possible. The effect of social media on campaigns has been to even the odds in races where incumbents would otherwise have an overwhelming advantage in money and media exposure. California’s 10th Congressional race and the Wisconsin Governor’s Race are two examples of  races where social media has been put into action.

 Chad Condit’s campaign was not designed from the outset to utilize social media. Its’ introduction was the brainchild of media consultant Chad Peace, who has steadily increased the campaign’s online profile through Face Book and Twitter. Photos and videos of events throughout the district have been prominently featured on the campaigns Facebook page, providing an instant connection with followers and their friends. Condit recently spoke with Presstrain about the positive role Facebook continues to play in his campaign for Congress going forward. He grew up knocking on doors and phone banking for his father Gary Condit before the term social media even became part of the popular culture. “Face Book and Twitter are the most direct way to reach the largest number of constituents,” Condit said. “I think it has been very positive for us,” he added.

Tom Barrett at Chicago's Best in Platteville, WI

 Tom Barrett’s campaign to unseat Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is utilizing social media to blunt Walker’s substantial financial advantage. Barrett recently conducted a whirlwind tour of Wisconsin which was reported in real time on his Face Book page. Photos of the various meet and greets were simultaneously uploaded and shared across social media outlets. At the Platteville event; some young prom goers recognized Barrett and requested he take a picture with the group, which was immediately featured on his FB timeline.  He currently has over 22,000 followers on Face Book, which are vital to getting the campaign’s message out to voters throughout Wisconsin.

 Both campaigns use Face Book to target voters with personalized emails inviting them to upcoming events in their area. Barrett’s recent event in Platteville was a prime example of getting the word out with minimal expense or disruption. When a venue change became necessary, an email went out within an hour of the original invitation informing every one of the events new location. Condit regularly updates Face Book subscribers on upcoming events throughout the district. His team recently posted photos of Condit’s voter registration booth at an event in Manteca California. Condit also recently put up his first campaign commercial on Facebook to a warm reception.

 The facts are not in dispute; Facebook has evened the playing field for candidates from across the political spectrum. Condit’s independent bid for Congress would not have been possible if not for social media. For Tom Barrett; Face Book provides a chance to avenge his loss to Scott Walker in the 2010 race for Governor. Both candidates will get the answer to whether all of the updates and posts have paid off shortly. Until then we can all be assured that the campaigns will continue to be waged on FaceBook and the other social media venues that have become part of our daily routines….