Chaffetz draws praise, critics over tech savvy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — By day he walks the halls of power as a lowly freshman lawmaker, but by night Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, morphs into a Capitol Hill social-networking superhero.

With his faithful cot at the ready, Chaffetz posts Facebook entries and responds to e-mails. He also posts regular "cot-side chats," which are one-man (him) productions utilizing a Flip Video camera. Pieces typically run under two minutes and present his position on issues and subjects ranging from opposition to the stimulus package to dialing back the use of full-body scanners at airports.

Chaffetz not only represents Utah's 3rd Congressional District, he also represents the future — the new breed of congressman that includes Reps. John Culberson, R-Texas, and Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, to name a few, who recognize the Internet and social media like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as powerful tools for connecting with constituents.

"Those are my tools of choice. The toolbox has changed," Chaffetz told the Deseret News in an earlier interview.

Critics contend Chaffetz's online shtick lacks substance and is growing old, even as he continues drawing praise for his technological prowess and eagerness to take his message direct. The TechRepublican blog applauded his use of social media last summer, calling the junior congressman "raw, yet well spoken" and a "refreshing, down-to-earth politician." Closer to home, City Weekly said it's "refreshing" when a politician "actually understands Internet commerce and social networking."

Chaffetz said he's turned techie because it's a better way to do the job. He said he wants to represent Utah to Washington, D.C., not the other way around, and be accessible at a time when Washington feels increasingly distant to many people.

Chaffetz attributes his success using social media tools to doing it himself and not relying on a staffer. "It's very real; it's in real time; and it's really me," Chaffetz said. "The people of Utah didn't elect me to hire a spokesperson."

Chaffetz, whose Facebook handle is "Jasoninthehouse," fretted that using social networking sites might skew toward a younger demographic. But it turns out there are plenty of 40-year-olds and older who are capable of learning new tricks. "They're new to the technology, but enjoy using it. So it spans the whole demographic," he said.

Chaffetz said tweeting and other tools often allow him to share his thoughts as developments are unfolding. He said he recently tweeted from the floor of the house before President Barack Obama gave his State of the Union address. He also will reply online to constituent queries from his committee meetings and hearings using his Blackberry.

e-mail: chuck@desnews.com