For those that missed it, Bob Brigham and I over at
Swing State Project are attempting to get all 50 state Democratic parties to put blogs on their web pages. The idea was born when Bob discovered that
3/4 of the state parties do not currently have one up.
So, Tuesday night I sent out an email to each of the state parties explaining how blogs can be an effective way to communicate, inform, get great ideas, recruit volunteers, and solicit for funds when necessary.
The implementation of the existing technology is even more prescient in light of the complaints by state parties that they are often left with the crumbs and devoid of volunteers for their races because the national party focuses solely on "swing states."
If we are to contest elections at all levels, and in all 50 states, a state party blog is a great place to start.
The going has slowed down, and I am asking for your help to accomplish this mission...
Quick Update
Today I received a response Tennessee.
Thank you so much for offering your services! We had a blog up during
the campaign, and we took it down to re-work it. We also found that it was a good way to communicate with our base. I will forward your e-mail along to our blogger, who is working on a new blog as we speak.
Alabama Update #2
Today I talked to a member of the Alabama State Democratic Party. I introduced them to the different blogging software out there, and I am happy to report they want to have it up and running within a week.
It is also intersting to note that Democrats in Alabama actually have control over the State Senate and House. They also came within a few thousand votes of capturing the Governor's mansion in 2002.
Do you want to get involved?
I realize that people have taken it upon themselves to contact their own state parties to talk about a blog. That is fantastic. Can't say enough about it. It makes me feel good.
I got to thinking, if more people want to get involved, let's do it -- together -- in an efficient, maybe centralized location?
So, I have set up Swing State Project with a list of states that don't have blogs. Visit the thread and indicate which state(s) you would like to help with and your email address.
I will update Swing State Project daily on our progress, and you can drop your notes in there as well, updating everyone else on yours.
We can also use the comments thread to share recommendations/information about either how to approach the states and what blogging software you would like to recommend.
Does it sound like something you would be interested in taking on?
Let me know,
Tim
Update [2004-12-17 23:51:47 by ttagaris]: Now it's recommended; please visit Swing State Project and "adopt" a state. -- Oops, not recommended anymore. That was quick.
Day One Update
Day Two Update