RELEASE: 2008 Platform Committee Launches Interactive Web Site

This just in...and is rather cool...

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan, Platform Committee Chairman U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Calif.-22) and Platform Committee Co-Chairman U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (N.C.) announced the launch of www.GOPPlatform2008.com, the first, entirely web-based initiative that allows voters across the nation to actively participate in the development of the 2008 Republican Party Platform.

"For more than 150 years, Republicans have met every four years to adopt a platform that outlines the principles and policies upon which the Party stands. We are proud that the development of the 2008 Republican Party Platform will be more interactive, inclusive, and open than any other in political history," Duncan said.

"Today, new and innovative technology allows us to engage those who have not been involved in the political process before," said convention President and CEO Maria Cino. "Here at the 2008 Republican National Convention, we also remain committed to engaging as many Americans as possible through numerous interactive initiatives."

"We are seeking the most input through this historic opportunity to use a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week Internet town hall," McCarthy said. "We know Washington is not a place for solutions, so we are reaching out across the nation to create a forward-looking platform rooted in our core values with solutions that create prosperity today and for the next generation."

Burr said, "We are excited that this process will facilitate greater transparency and participation in the development of the 2008 Republican Party Platform than ever before. The Platform Committee will form the foundation for our future and this innovative tool will allow people with all points of view to participate in this critical discussion."

This process, unique to the Republican Party, will allow voters to provide input on a variety of issues important to the American people. Creating an account on www.GOPPlatform2008.com allows voters to have full, interactive access to the Web site. Account holders can use the text and video submission tools, participate in in-site polling, and monitor individual entries on a personalized index page. Every submission will be catalogued and reviewed leading up to the official Platform Committee meetings at the end of August in Minnesota to ensure every participant's voice is heard.

As part of its efforts to hold the most technologically savvy convention in GOP history, the 2008 Republican National Convention remains committed to providing increased interactive accessibility to millions of Americans through numerous innovative initiatives including social networks, YouTube, Ustream.tv, and through the convention blog found here.