McGarry said the Web tool, which can be seen at www.mittlink.net, puts a high-tech spin on grassroots work. In the old days, people excited about a candidate might pass out lawn signs to neighbors or talk over the fence to them. The new system gives them tools to send e-mails, videos, donation pleas and more to their friends.

Those participating earn points for their activities, which in turn can lead to rewards ranging from campaign merchandise or invitations to events. Participants can achieve different participation levels, from "citizen" to "revolutionary," "minuteman" or "hero."

"If the campaign needs to respond" to an attack or other issue, McGarry said they can send video or other materials to participants "to quickly spread it to their friends and associates." It also allows the campaign to identify which helpers are most active and effective, and send more resources to them.

The Web tool also allows participants to send pleas for money to others. "It is personalized, and the e-mail comes from them and not the campaign. It comes as a heartfelt message about something they are passionate about," McGarry said. It also might get through fire walls that could identify and stop e-mails from campaigns as unwanted spam.

"Voters need to know about this. One of the big stories (is) how so much money has been raised, and how much candidates have been spending to do it," she said. "Candidates who use (Internet) platforms like this are spending their money wisely and getting good use of their resources."

Utah ties

Romney basically lived in Utah for three years when he headed the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics.

He made many contacts in Utah and was credited with resurrecting the scandal-ridden Games and making them an athletic and financial success.

His connections here have led to strong support for Romney within the Utah business and civic community. He by far leads all other presidential candidates in Utah, according to polls conducted by the Deseret Morning News and KSL-TV.

---

E-mail: lee@desnews.com; bbjr@desnews.com