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technoratiTechnology and the Internet are changing democracy in America. Personal Democracy Forum is a hub for the exciting conversation underway between political professionals, technologists, and anyone else invigorated by the remarkable potential of technology to engage citizens in the democratic process.
Washington, DC is often called “Hollywood for ugly people.” This reference came into full light yesterday at the 2005 Annual Pollie Awards ceremony.
The Pollies are the equivalent of the Emmy Awards for political consultants. The event featured an hour long reception, followed by a Hollywood-style formal dinner. Despite the blizzard, hundreds of consultants were in attendance, many forced to watch the events unfold on televisions in “overflow rooms” after the main ballroom filled beyond capacity.
Hosted by the America Association of Political Consultants, the awards honor the best consulting work of the previous election cycle. There are awards for everything from “Best Presidential Television Ad” to “International Political Consultant of the Year.” Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards are presented to winners in most categories.
I had the pleasure of attending the Pollies in 2002, but tonight’s awards ceremony was of particular significance. It marked the first time that the AAPC included a full range of awards for Internet campaigning. Categories went beyond the standard “Best Congressional Candidate Website” to include awards for “Most Innovative Use of Technology” and “Best Use of Humor in a Banner Ad.”
The surprise winner of the night was in the Pollie’s most prestigious category: Most Valuable Democratic Player of The Year.
By unanimous vote of the AAPC’s Board of Directors, the award was given to (drum roll please) the Internet. To put this into perspective, it’s the first time that a medium, rather than an individual or organization, has won this noteworthy award.
Maybe this is a sign that the traditional political consulting community has at long last begun to recognize the Internet as a critical campaign tool that is worthy of attention...perhaps even investment. I'm not holding my breath, but it sure made me sit up in my seat.
Check back for a complete list of winners in the Internet categories.
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List of winners
Sorry for the delay. Here is the full list of Pollie Award winners. The Internet category begins on page 10.