Candidates today must make use of all available and affordable media to communicate with voters. Internet tools such as blogs or Facebook pages make it easier and faster than ever to deliver your message to voters. While they cannot be relied on as the sole medium for communications, efficient use of online resources should be part of every candidate's plan. Visit my website at www.PatSteadman.com and you'll find a wealth of information about me, the bills I've sponsored and the work I'm doing for my constituents in Senate District 31. My events calendar lists upcoming fundraisers and Democratic Party events, but also community events like SCFD-sponsored free days at major cultural venues and other free recreational activities like concerts or movies in the park. These event listings give people a reason to visit my website on an ongoing basis.

Also on my website is a link to my blog. This gives me a chance to regularly post detailed information about issues or events and what I'm doing as a state senator. Subscribers to my blog receive email notices each time a new entry is posted. Blog posts allow me to go into a level of detail that I wouldn't ordinarily add to my website content.

Facebook is amazing! It's free and easy and growing every day. I have a page titled "State Senator Pat Steadman" that I use to let people know about upcoming events, where I've been and what I'm thinking. The ability to share pictures, event invitations and links to internet sites allows diverse and interesting ways to share information. A picture really does say a thousand words. I post an update to this Facebook page at least four or five times a week, and each day more people choose to "like" my page and follow what I'm doing and the content it provides.

Twitter is something entirely different, and I must admit that I have yet to fully embrace its potential. I "tweet" about things I consider newsworthy, but not about where I went or what I had for lunch. I follow about 100 different people, and each day more and more people are following my tweets. It's a great way to learn about breaking news or share first-hand accounts with others.

Campaigning in the internet age requires one to adapt to new and changing technologies. And while the internet will never be a substitute for knocking on someone's door and talking face-to-face, it can help your message reach more people in an incredibly efficient and cost-effective manner.

And speaking of knocking and talking, I've started canvassing precincts in Senate District 31. If you'd like to join me on a weeknight or a Saturday afternoon, visit my website and sign-up to volunteer!