Keeping tabs on candidates these days means also paying attention to all of their online information--including the ever-popular Wikipedia. The presidential candidates closely watch changes to their Wiki sites, as Slate magazine is now monitoring.
And because nearly anyone can edit the sites, it's safe to assume that there's plenty of tweaking going on to frame candidates in a better light--like one Sarah Palin supporter who inserted compelling stories about her upbringing just hours before her vice presidential candidacy was announced.
The article made me curious to find out how many of our local candidates are on Wikipedia. While it was not surprise that U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert in the 13th district has a moderately lengthy article, I didn't expect to find a fairly detailed entry for her Democratic opponent Scott Harper (who's never held an elected office). Green party candidate Steve Alesch has no entry.
There are two very short paragraphs on Darlene Senger, which note her seat on the Naperville City Council and her Republican candidacy for the 96th Illinois House district. Absent are Democratic candidates Dianne McGuire and Green party candidate Jennifer Witt.
When I typed in "Mike Connelly," (Republican candidate for 48th Illinois House district), the only entry that appeared was for an NFL offensive lineman who played with the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers. A search for his Democratic opponent Joe Heneghan also came up empty.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention! As an occasional Wikepedia user, I never thought of it as a tool for my campaign. I will get with the program and urge other Democrats to do the same!!!!