Republicans, Women Top List of “Connected” Legislators
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Ken Eudy
919 882 1962
It wasn’t long ago that most state legislators kept up with email by reading hard copy printouts provided by administrative assistants. But a new study[1] by Raleigh-based communication agency Capstrat suggests legislators are increasingly comfortable with online activity and many are embracing social media.
While the legislature’s level of online engagement as a whole remains modest (e.g., an average individual rate of only 1.9 Tweets per week), legislators’ feeds have hundreds of followers, suggesting a sizeable audience interested in connecting online with elected officials.
Some legislators have seized this opportunity, such as Mocksville’s Senator Andrew Brock (R-Davie), who has garnered more than 500 Twitter followers and 5,941 Facebook friends. Highly connected legislators in the House include Rep. Tricia Cotham (D-Mecklenburg) and Rep. Paul Stam (R-Wake). Joining Andrew Brock as the most-wired Senators are Phil Berger (R-Guilford), Don Davis (D-Greene) and Malcolm Graham (D-Mecklenburg).
In broad strokes, Republicans lead Democrats in connected members (82 percent versus 45 percent) and total Facebook friends (31,383 to 30,646). Democrats score higher in average number of Facebook friends (681 to the GOP’s 366). And more female legislators (66 percent) are engaged in social media than male legislators (61 percent).
“Republicans are really starting to show how a party can effectively get out a message using social media,” said Ken Eudy CEO at Capstrat. “It’s a cost-effective way to engage constituents. But does social media really matter on Jones Street? Our research suggests that it is becoming a factor in running for – and holding – elective office. And there is so much more that can be done with these online tools. The 2010 General Election will convince many more legislators to boost their social media outreach.”
For more insights on trends in government and the role of technology, please see Capstrat’s whitepaper on the subject. Keep up with the North Carolina legislators by following Capstrat’s custom Twitter list: http://capstr.at/4P.
About Capstrat
Capstrat, a communications agency based in Raleigh, N.C., solves the complex issues that healthcare, technology, energy/infrastructure and financial organizations face at critical moments. We blend marketing communications, interactive communications, public relations and public affairs to tell stories with power and persuasion.
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