Politicians embrace social networking sites

Politicians it seems have finally acknowledged the importance of social networking.

Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita recently joined Twitter, a social networking site that allows people to publicly update their status on their current whereabouts, activities and emotions.

Jim Gavin, communications director for Rokita, said Twitter gives Rokita another communication channel with Hoosiers.

“It gives us another tool in the toolbox,” he said.

Although Rokita does not use any other networking sites, Gavin said he anticipates he will join others soon. Gavin said Rokita loves being on Twitter because he can “tweet” from anywhere.

Gavin said Rokita joining Twitter will help address a younger audience.

“College students aren’t really stopping to watch the news, so using Twitter is a great way to communicate with them,” he said.

Gavin said he can envision Rokita using Twitter during an election year to help him get messages out.

Rokita isn’t the only Indiana politician using a social networking site.

U.S. Rep. Baron Hill, D-9, has a Facebook page. Katie Moreau, communications director for Hill, said the site is his main communications channel for his campaign.
Rep. Dan Burton, R-5, is very acclimated to social networking sites. Burton has a Facebook page, a Twitter account and a link on YouTube.

John Donnelly, press secretary for Burton, said politicians want to reach as many people and as many different groups as possible and that social networking sites help accomplish that. Donnelly said social networking sites played a huge role in the last election.

Indeed, Twitter and Facebook have provided a closer link than ever to politicians. Donnelly said Burton will use Twitter to update people on his whereabouts and what he is doing.

“He can update his status and say I’m voting on such and such bill,” Donnelly said.
The Twitter trend is catching on at a national level as well. President Barack Obama maintains a Twitter account.

And while most politicians were raised in an era before e-mail, many are beginning to learn new ways to connect with younger audiences.

“Burton has done a remarkable job, considering he is 70, adjusting to the modern changes in technology in the 21st century,” Donnelly said.

He added that, in general, responses to Burton joining social networks have been positive. The main point, Donnelly said, is engaging the community he represents.

“Joining Facebook and Twitter has been a great way to include and allow them to be engaged more than ever,” he said.