Internet changes face of elections

By Yael Kohen

Daily Staff Reporter

So many Websites are springing up with election information this year that it could be dubbed "Election.com."

Presidential and congressional candidates, as well as various interest groups, have used this media outlet not only to further their ideas but also to raise campaign funds. Internet sites have also served as a forum for concerned voters to discuss their views in chat rooms.

"It's like the early days of television," University of Pennsylvania communications Prof. W. Russell Newman said. The Internet will change campaigning in the 21st Century in the same way television did in 1960, when John F. Kennedy defeated Richard Nixon, he said.

While some candidates use the Internet as a supplemental way of reaching out to voters, others have put all of their campaign efforts into advertising on the Web.

"I don't have the money to do the traditional ways of campaigning," said Scott Wojack, the Republican candidate for the 52nd state House District. "Because of the Internet I'm making more progress than I would have had I not used the Internet."

Newman said in the future, candidates without Websites will be left behind.

"That is probably the great potential of the Web - providing information," University of Michigan communication studies Prof. Michael Traugott said.

"It's a different type of campaign," Wojack said. "It's a great thing because it will allow the working person to run for office."

But just because the information is out there it doesn't mean Web users are surfing to political sites.

"The irony is that relatively few voters - although half the country is online ... are going to the campaign Websites," Newman said.

Spreading their political beliefs is not the only benefit candidates have by creating Webpages. Congressional candidates are utilizing their sites to raise funds for waging their campaigns.

Michigan Sen. Spence Abraham, who is running for re-election against challenger Debbie Stabenow, has raised nearly $65,000 so far from Internet donations.

Stabenow also has raised funds on the Internet, but campaign officials were not able to say how much.

Although Wojack does not have his own Website, he has used other sites to spread his ideas, including votesmart.org and the Michigan secretary of state Website. Wojack said although he cannot solicit funds on these Websites, the access to free information has been advantageous.

"We found it to be an invaluable tool," Abraham campaign spokesman Trent Wisecup said.

Presidential primary candidates have also raised funds on the Internet. John McCain, the Arizona senator who ran against Texas Gov. George W. Bush for the GOP presidential nomination, raised campaign funds on the Internet.

Presidential candidates are prohibited from fundraising for the general election.

But presidential candidates do use their Websites.

During the presidential debates, Gore sent periodic e-mails to address the issues discussed, as did Stabenow during the Senate debates last weekend.

Stabenow campaign officials said they released information as the debate was in progress on Michigandebatewatch.com, which received 27,000 hits.