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SALT LAKE CITY -- Campaigning isn't what it used to be. These days, a strong online presence is a must for candidates. It's especially true for those trying to build up their support.
I think CorroonCountry.com is instrumental to getting Peter elected. We have to reach every corner of this state.
–Missy Greis, CorroonCountry.com
Almost everyone running for office has a website, a Facebook and Twitter account, but all that may not be enough. So, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Peter Corroon's campaign is trying something else.
They call it Corroon Country: a social-networking site that's all about building up the Democratic underdog's support. It's an indication of how important the Internet is in campaigning these days.
"I think CorroonCountry.com is instrumental to getting Peter elected. We have to reach every corner of this state, and we have to reach every potential supporter of Peter Corroon," says Missy Greis, coordinator for CorroonCountry.com.
When he announced he was running, Corroon admitted he was an underdog. As a matter of strategy, modern reality is that upping the ante online is more than just a good idea.
"Not only do you have to be on the Internet, you have to take advantage of the social media tools and services that are out there," says David Politis, with Politis Communications.
People are demanding interactivity, as well as tried-and-true door-to-door campaigning, fliers and meetings. Both Corroon and Gov. Gary Herbert have links to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
The Corroon Country site gets more specific, targeting groups like moms and artists, even pickup truck drivers.
"People actually lose track of things a lot more if they're not online. I just know people my age can go on Facebook and go back and check the time, the place," says Angela Parkinson, with Students of Corroon.
"It's immediate accessibility to the entire state. I can talk to another artist in St. George," says Mason Fetzer, with Artists for Corroon.
Fetzer used another medium, paint, to show his support; but he knows a picture of the portrait online will reach many more people.
President Obama used the Internet to network support among young people before he was elected. The Internet is a campaign tool, but using it with real success is just as elusive as all the older ones.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
