In the last year, we have seen the rise of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram in political campaigning, with both national and local candidates utilizing the immediacy of social media as an integral component to their campaign strategy. Tweets and Facebook posts target voters, humanize candidates, and spread breaking news in real-time.

As part of our effort to report on social media trends, tools, and technology, we will be periodically recognizing politicians, candidates, and political organizations who are utilizing social media in effective and creative ways. 

Name:

Evan Vucci (@evanvucci)

Virgil Goode, a third party presidential candidate, is the nominee for the lesser known Constitution Party. He has ballot access is most states for the November election.

As Romney and Obama march toward November, all eyes are focused on the two parties and their battle for the White House. Many Americans are unaware of the struggle of third-party candidates such as Justice Party candidate Rocky Anderson to gain media attention and ballot access.

The level of discourse in our country has undoubtedly dropped over the last few decades. Calling the opposition "un-American" or "liars" is common practice. And compromise has become a dirty word. In short, civility in news and politics has slowly eroded.

The level of discourse in our country has undoubtably dropped over the last few decades. Calling the opposition "un-American" or "liars" is common practice. And compromise has become a dirty word. In short, civility in news and politics has slowly eroded.

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously in July to close medical marijuana dispensaries within the city. This attempt to enact a Los Angeles medical marijuana ban adds another layer of ambiguity to an already complicated California drug policy.

Last week, Libertarian presidential candidate, Gov. Gary Johnson announced that Tuesday, September 11th, the popular social media and news website, Reddit.com would be hosting its second Gary Johnson Reddit AMA event.

Life throws me chances to practice being independent every day. Yesterday, I landed in the middle of a political conversation when I sat down to get my hair cut. The customer in the next chair was condemning big companies for causing obesity. Her haircutter agreed that businesses have malicious ways of getting us to overeat. The young lady with her hands in my hair chimed in exuberantly.