Posted in Internet/Social Networking, Polls, Technology, Video, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Politics

WI Gubernatorial Social Media Horse Race – Who’s in the Lead?

   October 6, 2009
Given Zach’s earlier post on Scott Walker’s Twitter account being suspended and my post about our Congressional delegation’s use of Twitter, I was curious to see where the WI gubernatorial candidates were at in their use of social media.  My review finds a mixed bag, with GOP candidate Mark Neumann leading the pack with the most complete set of Social Media tools. 
Mark Neumann for Governor Website
Mark Neumann for Governor Website

He is actively using a portfolio of social media tools including:

He also is clearly positioning himself with the tagline and user name Strong Wisconsin.  However, Neumann’s Facebook members (1,526)  lags that of the official Scott Walker Facebook page (4,648 members).  I’m not sure how they compare when it comes to Twitter given that Scott Walker’s account (@scottkwalker)  has been temporarily suspended, but Mark Neumann had 2,596 followers when I checked his account.  I also found that I couldn’t access Scott Walker’s website for some reason, so I’m not sure about his use of blogs or other accounts he might have.   It looks like he might need some help with his technology strategy and execution.

Although Mark might lead the GOP pack with the use of social media, he trails Scott Walker in the polls, where according to a recent Wisconsin Policy Research Institute poll, Mark Neuman was favored by 14% vs. Scott Walker’s 38% and undecideds at 48%.  The number of undecideds gives him a great deal of potential that could be enhanced through his use of social media tools.

How about on the Democratic side?  When I looked at Barbara Lawton’s use of social media tools, I found that it was fairly slim, given she’s only recently announced her candidacy and has been busy as Lt. Governor.  Her website did say that a new site was coming soon.   She does have a Facebook account with 762 members.   I wasn’t able to find an official Twitter account, but did find a supporter account called @WomenforLawton.  I did not see a Flickr photostream or YouTube channel.  Hopefully she has hired an agency or group with appropriate social media credentials and energy to help her with her e-strategy.

Here’s Mark Neumann’s announcement video.  Somehow it just seemed a bit creepy to me, but I’m hardly an unbiased viewer.

Share:

Related Articles

4 thoughts on “WI Gubernatorial Social Media Horse Race – Who’s in the Lead?”

  1. Walker keeps blaming the “opposition,” but this time he’s been caught red handed… by Google.

    September 27, 2009 – Scott Walker is following 4,862 users, and is being followed by 4,420 users.
    Link: http://bit.ly/38K5Mu

    October 3, 2009 – Scott Walker is following 3,614 users, and is being followed by 4,556 users.
    Link: http://bit.ly/21W6EX

    This means that over the course of one week, WALKER added, then unfollowed 1248 users, and gained 136.

    It’s impossible for someone to suggest that isn’t a violation of the Twitter TOS. Keep blaming the left Scott… you don’t need us to take you down.

  2. Neumann’s video isn’t creepy; he’s just really stiff. I’ll be curious to see how the Democratic field fills out (if it does), as well as how the candidates utilize the various forms of social networking.

Comments are closed.