As campaign season gets underway campaign websites will be popping up. What makes a good campaign website? I think it needs to be easy to navigate, stick to a clear message, answer questions, and make it easy to get involved.
But does the average undecided voter ever use a campaign website? I doubt it.
In addition, it should impress people. You should show the recent events, upcoming events, and exciting news to show there is a good, upbeat buzz about you.
So, with no further ado, here is my listing of campaign websites with my ratings. I will change them as websites get added or changed.
The Good
Jim Dantona at jimdantona.com is a great website. The graphics are amazing. The endorsements are current and the message is clear. Jim Dantona has bi-partisan support.
But of course no website is perfect. Jim's website doesn't go into detail on what legislation he has championed in the past. A reader can read press releases ( in stupid pdf format! Come'on guys get with the html!) to learn more.
And I guess Jim Dantona doesn't need your money, since there is no place to donate that I can find. I am sure it will be added, though. Altogether a great website for a candidate for county supervisor.
Ferial Masry has a great website. I think it is the best of the bunch. Go to http://www.ferialmasryforassembly.com/ to see for yourself.
The Bad
Audra Strickland. I guess the district is so easy for her she doesn't need a website. She doe shave her government website, but I can't find a campaign website. So, don't worry about voting for her. In fact, stay home, she already knows this race is locked up.
But seriously, how about we pretend there will be a race? Maybe put up a website so that we can learn more about your pet projects.
And the Okay...
Judy Mikels at mikels.com is a good looking website. But it seems out of date. There are press releases from 2001. The endorsements page says "We support Judy Mikels for state senate". And then says under construction. You cna donate by printing out a form. The website is clearly left over from other campaigns.
But it looks really good. If it is updated and adds an internet connection for political donations it will be pretty snazzy.
I will update this entry in the near future.
Brian:
I think a lot of undecideds check out websites of candidates because it's on their own time to do so. During the last race, we had numerous people who we did not know who told us they enjoyed the website.
I think it's very important for campaigns to have websites becuase a lot of people just don't have time to be cold called or look at their direct mail piece...
Scott
Scott,
I agree having a website is good, but I say for different reasons. If you want to attract the best activists, you need a confident image.
In addition, a great website lets others know they might want to sit this race out, as you are very strong and organized.
Next, it helps you raise money.
BUT all that being said, I don't know how many undecideds go to a candidate's website.
If they didn't know about your team, how'd they know the url?
Tim did have a sharp looking website. I wonder who put it together?
Brian
Hey Brian,
How about a new contest. We can pick who we think W will pardon first. Will it be Libby, Rove, Cunningham, Abrams, Delay, Ken Lay????? What do you say?
Why isn't Brett Wagner's website listed here? In case you are wondering it is brettwagner2006.com
SkaFAn