House Republicans Launch BlackBerry App

By: Stephanie Condon
Topics: Republicans

(republicanwhip.house.gov)

House Republicans are publicly launching a BlackBerry application that congressmen have been using to get the latest facts and information about happenings on Capitol Hill.

The free application WhipCast, available today, provides instantaneous alerts, audio updates, video features and messages to users. Those interested in following the latest hot topic in Washington -- say, health care -- can access party talking points, polling information and policy discussions with the application. It also gives updates of the House floor schedule.

Launched by GOP Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia and Deputy Whip Kevin McCarthy of California, the application is part of the GOP's attempt at better utilizing social media and technology, tools the Democrats proved to use more skillfully in the 2008 presidential election.

"Today's worldwide launch of the WhipCast BlackBerry app is the latest demonstration of our commitment to modernize the way we communicate with Americans from coast-to-coast," Cantor said in a statement. "The WhipCast enables the Whip Team to communicate with the public in a faster, smarter, and more effective way."

GOP representatives currently use the tool to organize their floor efforts and stay informed when traveling, McCarthy told Politico.

"Technology has changed every part of our lives, but it really hasn't changed government that much," he said. "That's where we have to improve, so we created this to make the members more efficient. People can get called out of committee, and they'll know what's going on on the floor, so they have a better ability to make their case or their argument."

Stephanie Condon
Stephanie Condon is a political reporter for CBSNews.com.
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by tryhonesty October 29, 2009 10:15 PM EDT: Ah, the Republicans are starting to think outside of the FOX...; Reply to this comment


by tryhonesty October 29, 2009 10:14 PM EDT: Ah, the Republicans are starting to think outside of the FOX...; Reply to this comment


by tryhonesty October 29, 2009 10:14 PM EDT: Ah, the Republicans are starting to think outside of the FOX...; Reply to this comment


by stuart-johns2 October 29, 2009 9:18 PM EDT: It's funny. Obama has been using one since they came out. The republicans criticized him for it during the campaign. Now they want to jump on the bandwagon. LOL I wonder if they'll credit Obama for the inspiration?; Reply to this comment


by stn_sage October 29, 2009 6:10 PM EDT: Good for them! I wondered what in the 'H' these guys did during the day, they certainly aren't taking care of the public's business?! They spend the time developing and employing software apps!

Great! At least, they're not totally useless...like the rest of their GOP peers!; Reply to this comment