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Voting 4 Me? U R 2 Kewl!

Podcasts are so yesterday. Text messages are the new way for governors to communicate. Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm's reelection campaign is already signing up supporters ...

emoticon.jpgPodcasts are so yesterday. Text messages are the new way for governors to communicate. Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm's reelection campaign is already signing up supporters for text message "action alerts," while Congressman Bob Beauprez, a gubernatorial candidate in Colorado, is offering "campaign updates." I'm sure others will follow.

Although I won't judge these efforts too harshly, since I haven't signed up to see them, I can't quite understand the point. Perhaps if I were attending a campaign event, it would be nice to have the time and address on my phone. Other than that, wouldn't it just be easier to get information by e-mail?

Maybe I'm just an old fogey -- I was born more than two decades ago -- but I don't need more mediums of communication. Rather, I'd like more interesting, informative, honest messages, irrespective of the medium. If the 13th Floor's experience with podcasts is any indication, public officials have a lot of catching up to do in that regard.   

Josh Goodman is a former staff writer for GOVERNING.