Dean, Clement Use Web Sites In Campaign

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Political candidates are using the Internet more than ever to boost their campaigns and distribute their message.

Video: Candidates Use Internet Tools To Distribute Message

The mayoral election in Nashville is no different, as Karl Dean and Bob Clement use MySpace, YouTube and Facebook in hopes of winning the September runoff.

Both candidates say this high-tech invention isn't just for show and it’s something they believe in.

"I've had people say they've gone to the Web site and based upon that have decide to vote for me," said Dean.

"I mention it in my speeches, a lot of speeches, I sure hope you'll visit Bob Clement.com," said Clement.

Both of the candidates acknowledge these online links give them an opportunity to fill in the blanks where a speech or television commercials leaves off.

Both candidates not only have commercials and high-profile speeches on their YouTube pages, but have specifically created video clips dealing with issues that are central to their campaign.

"You can't necessarily do that in a conversation," said Clement.

"People do go to it. People go to it to investigate our positions on issues. People go to it to see what my background is," said Dean.

Through Facebook and MySpace, both candidates are making friends across the city.

Yet both agree they can't ignore personal contact with voters.

"We'll also be calling people, we'll also be going door to door," said Dean.

"One on one is more powerful than anything you do," said Clement.

The candidates said they have both learned a lot about these Web sites from their children, who are all examples of the high-tech generation.

For example, Dean didn't realize how widespread text messaging is. In fact, his son had a text messaging party to get people to early vote.

Both of the candidates tell Channel 4 that in a race where every vote counts, the Web sites are helping them attract young and often first time voters.