Online Store for Politicians

Has the web become the newest platform for politicians to promote themselves and raise funds? The answer is an unequivocal Yes.

Politicians have long appreciated the Internet as an unparalleled marketing and publicity machine. In the United States, Steve Forbes announced his candidacy for the country’s presidential campaign via a web site in early 1999.

Now the Internet has evolved into a promotion and fundraising juggernaut. Google Checkout, an online payment processing service much like PayPal, played a big role in Australia’s 2007 election when Kevin Rudd used it to sell merchandise.

Google Checkout for Political Contributions is a fast, simple contribution process that transacts donations to political candidates as well as political organizations such as PACs. It has become a whirlwind for those who use it well; in America, Barack Obama set the record with over $1 million dollars a day in online donations.

With a face of the tool fashioned specifically for politics, it is easy to set up and use. Candidates can install the tool on their websites to securely process contributions by charging credit or debit cards – and it even collects the required governmental information. This is above what PayPal can offer.

Google Checkout is also partnered with YouTube. The video service sets up channels for candidates and allows supporters to embed contribution buttons on their websites, blogs, and social network profiles using Google Checkout. This increases the reach and effectiveness of Google Checkout for Politicians exponentially and turning the Internet into a platform a candidate can no longer consider optional.