Politics and the Internet!
A new way of getting information? A new way of campaigning?

Recently there has been a lot of conversation referencing politics and the internet. Several articles written have found their way to various media sources throughout the state. The exchange of information and dialogue has made the users of political internet forums and blogs more knowledgeable and up to speed with current events.
One such information outlet is Louisiana Skyline. Louisiana Skyline has a seven-hundred fifty plus membership with as many as one-hundred members visiting daily. Members stop in and get news updates to what's happening in entertainment. There is also a real time shout box for online chatting or political debate.
Recently at Louisiana Skyline the administrators decided to run a topic, "If the Governor's race was today who would you vote for?"
There was a full field of announced and potential candidates. The poll was open five days to allow as many members an opportunity to levy their opinion. The results indicate that they are ready for a change in Louisiana. Topping of the field was Anthony "Tony G" Gentile a political unknown to most. Gentile has been using the internet almost exclusively to get his message out. The results were as follows, Gentile (Independent) 49%, US Representative Bobby Jindal 33%, Governor Kathleen Blanco 11%, US Representative Charlie Melancon 2%, State Senator Walter Boasso and Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell each with 2%, T. Lee Horne (Libertarian), John Georges (Businessman) and Lake Charles Attorney Hardy Parkerson 0%.
When asked about the results Gentile commented, "Naturally I'm pleased with the results. The results are as significant as they are insignificant! A small poll but with a wide cross section of the state, men, women, Democrats, and Republicans were all represented. It's a clear indication that the citizens want a change". Gentile has also appeared on Jeff Crouere's Politics with a Punch and has been a guest on his radio show. Currently Gentile has ads running on several Shreveport Radio Stations.
Members of Louisiana Skyline are located throughout the state of Louisiana including Shreveport, Monroe, Houma, Lafayette, and New Orleans areas. Other Louisiana internet forums that are good sources of insight and news events are PoliticsLA.com, Ringside Politics, BayouBuzz.com, and The Dead Pelican.

Vincent Leone freelance writer