CQ: GOP Ramping Up Online Organizing

Congressional Quarterly reports on the GOP's efforts to "Prep the Portals of Online Organizing."

Highlights below:

Republicans already are gearing up to regain lost ground from the 2008 elections, with a plan to level the digital playing field and fight the Democrats precinct by precinct and byte by byte.

That was the overarching theme Feb. 6 at a hastily organized “Tech Summit” held by the Republican National Committee, which brought party activists and strategists together to present ideas on how the RNC can better use available technologies to engage voters.

Under new Chairman Michael Steele, the GOP has embraced new technology as part of its rehabilitation efforts in the wake of the disastrous 2008 election.

Close to 300 people took part, with hundreds more joining online. The summit featured a steady stream of speakers, each sharing their thoughts on everything from online marketing to political text messaging to social networking.

“Bottom line is, if we haven’t done it, let’s do it. If we haven’t thought of it, think about it. If it hasn’t been tried, why not?” Steele asked in a speech that verged on a sermon. The audience at the Capitol Hill Club responded with vigorous nods and occasional murmurs of “Yes!”

“The goal,” said Steele, “of bringing the party into the 21st century is all that and then some.”

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RNC Tech Summit

The RNC just announced an upcoming tech summit. Details below!

The Republican National Committee is hosting a Tech Summit on Friday, Feb. 13 (yes, we know) at our National Headquarters. This is an open invitation to participate. Please use this form to sign up.

We look forward to a full day of your ideas. Speakers will be given 5 minutes to present suggestions and opportunities for advancing the GOP's technology efforts.

Registration is open until Wed., Feb. 11 at 11 p.m. ET.

Time blocks for each area of interest will be communicated via e-mail no later than Thurs., Feb. 12 at Noon ET.

If you can get here, we'll hear you!

If you're unable to attend please send thoughts via e-mail to ecampaign@gop.com and put "Tech Summit" in the subject line or call 202-863-8728.

310 First Street SE
Washington, DC 20003

If you can't attend in person please send thoughts via e-mail to ecampaign@gop.com and put "Tech Summit" in the subject line or call 202-863-8728.

Governor Crist Announces Chief of Technology

Governor Charlie Crist today appointed David W. Taylor of Tallahassee as executive director of the Agency for Enterprise Information Technology and state chief information officer. The Florida Cabinet unanimously approved the appointment. He will oversee the state agency responsible for developing the State of Florida’s enterprise strategic information technology plan. Taylor has been serving as interim director since July 2008, while continuing to serve as chief information officer for the Florida Department of Health since March 2003.

Click here for more information.