"It's such a useful tool in providing people information about who you are as a candidate," McCoy said. "It's kind of a virtual campaign headquarters, if you will."

McCoy said it cost him $500 to set up his Web site. Jarvis said it cost him $35 to get a domain name. A volunteer has designed his site.

Podcasting, Jarvis said, is a way for him to have "voice contact" with people in his district. "You absolutely have to have another way to talk to people," he said. "A Web site is so convenient."

Art Haddow, a Republican candidate in House District 31, decided to host a series of online debates about issues like transportation, education and taxes. The debates can be found at 31stdistrictdebates.com. Each candidate in the race has a chance to post comments about a specific issue.

"It's just a supplement," Haddow said. "I can send fliers out and people get an idea of what I stand for, but I think the debate issue really puts it to a head."

Even so, Rep. Larry Wiley, D-West Valley, said the Internet and online debating can't be a substitute for face-to-face contact with constituents. Wiley is being challenged for his seat by Haddow.

"People understand a handshake and eye contact and sincerity," Wiley said. "With the Internet, you don't have that. It's a machine."

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com