Illinois candidates participating in social networking

The Southtown Star takes a look at Illinois political candidates and how the are utilizing social networking to advance their campaigns.

Republican Jim Ryan asks Facebook fans who they're rooting for in college football. Gov. Pat Quinn touts a new campaign endorsement from his barber. Republican Adam Andrzejewski asks for $20 donations to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

This definitely isn't campaigning for governor in 1980, 1990 - or even 2006.

The emergence of the Internet as an everyday part of life has political candidates pushing the boundaries of "e-campaigning," from Facebook and Twitter posts to YouTube videos and blogs.

Those running for statewide office see the Internet and its new social networking tools as inexpensive, invaluable gateways to reach voters - their way on their own terms.

Click here to visit the official Jim Ryan site. You'll find Ryan's Facebook group here, and you can follow his Tweets here.

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Marathon Pundit endorses Jim Ryan for Illinois governor

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