Election Social Media Wars: Stanton & Mattox
Social media has become an important and effective marketing tool, with businesses creating Facebook pages and Twitter accounts for their customers, sharing deals and special offers. And it’s no less important in a race for mayor, especially for the Phoenix election mayoral candidates.
We visited all of the Phoenix mayoral candidates’ respective social media pages to get a better idea of how they represent themselves and their campaigns. It’s one thing to believe what the media and rival candidates say about one another, but how are they connecting with their supporters and how are they bettering their campaigns via social media?
This is what we found.
Claude Mattox
According to Claude Mattox’s website, Mattox focuses on building stronger and safer neighborhoods, quality schools and career jobs — focusing on crime rates, establishing neighborhood volunteer groups, and economic recovery, to name a few.
Facebook & Twitter
His Twitter account is ridden with ways he plans to correct the issues he identifies in his campaign. He also shows his support for the Phoenix area and its neighborhoods. For instance:
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“Focus on failing schools and helping them to succeed, and graduate students who are great employees!””Thank a police officer or fire fighter today, they risk their lives daily in order that our neighborhoods and communities are safe.” |
Furthermore, Mattox stresses his opinions regarding his components’ strategies and ideas on his Twitter page, including:
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“To Wes about dealing with union contracts. Wes has incorrect info. I have worked with unions to negotiate and cut budgets together.””Neely wants to open phoenix for business, but if she plans to do it like she did with city north, we will be in big trouble.” |
While Mattox doesn’t have a Facebook page specific to his mayoral campaign, his personal page does have nearly 3,000 followers or “Friends.” On his page, he stresses his gratitude to his supporters and volunteers — nearly every single post.
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“Thanks to my many supporters who came out last night, and those of you who watched from your homes. I appreciated the opportunity to share my plan and my vision with Phoenix voters.” |
Greg Stanton
According to Greg Stanton’s website, his campaign crux focuses on local economic development — growing local businesses and increasing the number of available high-wage jobs, long-term, as well as sustainable development. But exactly how is Stanton getting his message across on Facebook and Twitter?
Facebook & Twitter
His mayoral Facebook page is ridden with updates, photos and support from over 1,000 people who follow the page. And Stanton stresses his appreciation for his supporters.
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“Nicole and I were BLOWN AWAY with the success of this weekend’s ‘Get Out The Vote’ effort. The core of our campaign is the passion, dedication and professionalism of our volunteers. Thank you to all who ‘hit the streets.’ And thank you in advance for your help throughout the remainder of this campaign.” |
Regarding his campaign focus, his passion and dedication is evident:
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“Watch the debate tonight at 7 PM on channel 5. I am the only candidate with a comprehensive plan to bring high-wage jobs to Phoenix.” |
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“Stanton pledges that neither he nor anyone in his administration will hold a financial interest in a lobbying firm.” |
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“Stanton: We’re not like those people at the legislature, we’re normal! We’re pro-business and pro-people” |
No. of Friends & Followers for each Mayoral Candidate:
As of August 16, 2011, sourced from the social media pages linked to each candidates’ website:
Claude Mattox |
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2,929 Friends |
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771 Followers | |
Greg Stanton |
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1,304 Friends |
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565 Followers | |
Wes Gullett |
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753 Friends |
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229 Followers | |
Peggy Neely |
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508 Friends |
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450 Followers | |
Jennifer Wright |
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470 Friends |
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120 Followers | |
Anna Brennan |
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97 Friends |
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35 Followers |
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Election Voting Dates & Times:
Saturday, August 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday, August 29, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, August 30 (Election Day), 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. [/stextbox]
Election social media, is it important to winning an election? What do you think?
