Increasing use/misuse of technology for political purposes
The increasing use of autodialing and email in political campaigns is providing cover in a very grey area when it comes to enforcing federal laws such as those that limit political activity by federal employees according to this Wall Street Journal story (subscription required):
"Your donation ... will make a big difference to my agenda to make America safer, stronger, and better," Mr. Bush wrote in the campaign solicitation sent from his RNC.org e-mail address. "So please help me today by sending the Republican National Committee as much as you can afford."
...A few months ago, many California voters received a prerecorded message from Mr. Bush urging them to "support our great Republican candidates." The message said it was paid for by Team California and the California Republican Party, but failed to leave an address or phone number for either, in apparent violation of the FCC regulations. California GOP officials said they were looking into the matter, but had no further comment.
The technology also allows parties to cut their communications costs. For example, the DNC has run a pilot program to check the accuracy of the addresses on file for Democrats in the U.S. so their state affiliates won't waste money mailing letters to the wrong places. The party estimates it has saved more than $15 million this year.