QubeTV set as YouTube alternative

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Republican White House veterans Charlie Gerow and Jeff Lord have created a new conservative video Web site called QubeTV, which they describe as an alternative to YouTube, a popular clearinghouse for sharing video files.

YouTube rose to prominence in political circles last year when former Sen. George Allen, Virginia Republican, had his infamous "macaca" moment posted on the site, which many believe led to his defeat by Democrat James H. Webb Jr.

Both Mr. Gerow and Mr. Lord, who served as aides during the Reagan administration, say QubeTV is necessary because of what they view as an anti-conservative bias by the administrators of YouTube.

"We saw a need for a social-networking site for the center-right," Mr. Gerow said of the site, at www.Qubetv.tv. "They want something that isn't controlled by our good friends at Google."

Google recently purchased YouTube, but a spokesman for YouTube says any accusations of censorship are unfounded.

"YouTube is about democracy and self-expression, and we're proud to provide all politicians with an environment where they can share information with voters," the spokesman said. "Our site provides an equal opportunity for both sides of the political spectrum and embraces voter interaction with the candidates."

Another conservative new-media venture has emerged in recent weeks as well.

Mike Brady and Mike Giuliani, two veteran Capitol Hill operatives, have started a new venture called the Majority Accountability Project, which they say will serve as an "online clearinghouse of information on the House majority."

"We are getting overwhelmed on the Internet," Mr. Brady said of the left's success in using the Internet to help propel Democrats into the congressional majority during the 2006 elections.

In just over a week, the Majority Accountability Project has already published several original stories, including a report on freshman House Democrats who named lobbyist William Oldaker head of their political action committee. Mr. Oldaker was singled out in a 2005 study by the Center for Public Integrity, which questioned whether he was using his fundraising ties to influence members of Congress.

In 2006, Democrats ran on a platform of replacing what they called a "culture of corruption" in Washington.

Liberal organizations such as Media Matters have become increasingly influential in providing a powerful pushback against what they see as an anti-liberal bias in the mainstream media, while other groups like MoveOn raise millions for progressive candidates and help organize opposition to Bush administration policies such as the war in Iraq.

Mr. Brady previously served as head of strategic communications for the National Republican Congressional Committee and as chief of staff for Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds, New York Republican. Mr. Giuliani is also a veteran of Republican politics, having previously served as chief of staff for former Rep. Sue Kelly, New York Republican, and worked for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Even though both men have sharp political disagreements with the left, they say they have a deep respect for how the movement organized its base and successfully targeted vulnerable Republican candidates.

"We're lucky we didn't lose another 12 seats," Mr. Brady said. "Places like the Campaign for a Cleaner Congress, we take them very seriously as a journalistic endeavor."

Still, the question has to be asked: What happens to holding the majority accountable if and when Republicans regain control of Congress? "It's a long-term project," Mr. Giuliani said.

"They may question our motivation, but they'll never be able to question the facts we're putting out there," Mr. Brady said.