GOP officials tout Internet to build party

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Several Virginia Republicans are exploring ways to harness the political power of the Internet to strengthen the party's message and attract voters.

State Sen. Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II wants to create seats on the state central steering committee for members who would focus exclusively on increasing the party's presence on the Internet.

The idea is in its early stages, but the Fairfax County Republican said in his online newsletter "Cuccinelli's Compass" that having presence on the Internet could help the party grow "in new directions and recruit Republicans that can help our campaigns get our message out and fight the political war going on every day in the virtual world."

"If we can give them an easy way to get involved which suits their style ... then we can beef up our activist resources on the Internet," Mr. Cuccinelli told The Washington Times. "It could expand dramatically to young people and tech-savvy people, many of them who I think will be minorities."

The blogosphere has grown into a real force in the political world in recent years. The top Web sites have broken news stories, fueled the rumor mill and provided political analysts.

State party Chairman Ed Gillespie said yesterday he had not seen Mr. Cuccinelli's proposal, but agreed the party must work toward having a greater influence over the messages that are pushed through the click of a mouse.

"I have said for some time that the fact is we have to be energetically involved in shaping the discussion on the Internet and blogs because it shapes how people see issues and candidates and how the traditional media represent things," he said.

Republicans say that means developing a better relationship with the people behind influential blogs that are frequented by journalists, pundits and political insiders.

"I think we have missed largely as a party to this point," said Tucker Watkins, 5th Congressional District committee chairman. "Right now, it's probably 70-30 or 60-40 Democratic blogs to Republican blogs and we have not necessarily communicated well with our friends in the blogosphere."

Republicans also say, similar to negative television ads, it is vital for Republicans to respond to baseless or distorted information that portrays a party candidate in a bad light.