While I enjoy many of the topics people tweet about—Redskin updates, fashion reviews, restaurant suggestions, and a recent dinner conversation between M.C. Hammer and Robbie Van Winkle (A.K.A. Vanilla Ice)—my favorite tweets come from policy makers. However, while some have learned the art of brevity by using 140 characters or less, others take three tweets to get their point across—the technological equivalent of a filibuster.
The most important reason I enjoy political tweets is because I learn directly from the legislator about his or her policy positions. For example, my favorite tweets come from Representative Pete Hoekstra (R-MI). Regardless of our difference of opinion, this is one legislator who just gets it. Rep. Hoekstra uses his tweets to present his opinions on a variety of legislative issues, not just to pimp upcoming speaking events. Understanding where a politician is really coming from on the issue can help me be a more effective advocate.
As more and more legislators join twitter, I hope organizations (corporate, trade associations, non-profits, and labor unions) jump on the bandwagon. In a political environment that values innovation in technology more than ever, it is wise for an organization’s Government Relations team to recruit and engage employees and/or members through twitter. Is there a better way to keep key executives back in the home office up-to-date on pending legislation? A few well-written tweets while watching C-Span can add value and raise your department’s visibility with key members of your organization.
Holly Pitt Young is the Associate Managing Partner at Watts Partners.
