OK, we can argue about the efficacy of blogs, but yard signs?

Every political professional knows that yard signs are basically wortheless. We do them because it keeps the volunteers (who think they are all that matter) from getting cranky.

Here's your basic test. Right now, stop and write down the names of the last three real estate agents you saw signs or bus benches for. C'mon. Give it a try.

If you can, you're either house-shopping or a real estate agent yourself. If you can't, you're just like a real human driving by political yard signs.

Real humans don't see political yard signs, and the words on them certainly don't penetrate the consciousness at 25 mph. Only political junkies notice them.

Though I disagree that yard signs don't have an impact (especially if you, like me, live in a city where people walk by countless political placards on residences, storefronts and illegally posted on telephone polls), the point is not that yard signs are the answer. The argument made by the columnist I refer to is that in local races, old-school grassroots efforts can really turn the tide, sometimes far more efficiently than blogs which may not reach the right people.

I wonder why so much yard sign sabatoge goes on in campaigns (local and national, as experienced in the '04 presidential election) if they have no impact. They're a very simple way of expressing support for a candidate. If you think everyone on your block or neighborhood is voting for candidate A because they've all posted his sign, you might reconsider your own choice.

Jersey City probably isn't the best place to examine for any advances in politics. I live in the Heights and for three days before election day I was subjected to a truck driving around the neighborhood blaring "Happy Days are Here Again" and "Roll Out the Beer Barrel Baby" between requests to "Vote for Bill Gaughan". And this is for a councilmember who hasn't pulled in less than 80% of the vote his entire career.

Part of Jersey City's problem is that the media is practically non-existant. Yard signs, bumper stickers, and coversations aren't going to do anything to change things here.

It also needs to be said that most of the people running for office this year didn't have websites at all. It is telling that the one challenger that had a truly interactive website (Steve Fulop) actually won his race. The only other candidate to force a run-off didn't have a website and didn't have buttons, stickers, signs, etc. She lost badly on run-off day.

Blogs may not have been used well in Jersey City until now, but that doesn't mean that they can't be. However, you are 100% correct in stating that they cannot be the entire campaign. All of the other trappings - door knocking, hand shaking, buttons, signs, and marching bands when you can get them - are all vital parts of a good campaign.

XT