The online race for
More Facebook fans are supporting Republican Marlin Stutzman than Democrat Tom Hayhurst. Stutzman’s fans outnumber Hayhurst’s fans by more than two to one. Both sides are quick to downplay that disparity, but each candidate says social media is playing a big role in this year's campaign.
“New media, Twitter, Facebook, we're all on those,” said Stutzman. “YouTube, Flickr, we got pictures out.”
“Utilizing social media and connecting in that way is a major part of the campaign. It's a fun part of the campaign,” said Hayhurst.
Both campaigns are using Facebook to get their messages out.
“Facebook is so interactive, and it's very much young-American oriented,” said Hayhurst.
“People can send us messages, and it's just always interesting to read the messages on Facebook,” said Stutzman.
Plus, it's easy to see who's more popular—at least, online. Hayhurst boasts almost 1,100 fans. But Stutzman is way ahead with more than 2,500.
“Any win we can get, we'll take it,” said Stutzman.
Hayhurst says he isn't concerned.
“We haven't been engaged in a vigorous competition regarding the number of fans,” said Hayhurst. “We're not calling people to say, hey, be sure to sign up, we want to have more fans.”
In fact, both candidates are quick to brush aside the number of Facebook fans, focusing instead on a more important contest.
“The number that I'm more worried about is the one on November 2,” said Stutzman.
“The only thing we're focused on is getting the most votes on November 2 and winning the election,” said Hayhurst.
To view Tom Hayhurst’s Facebook profile, visit http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Dr-Tom-Hayhurst/117642694132?ref=ts.
To view Marlin Stutzman’s Facebook profile, visit http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/GoMarlin?ref=ts.
