The 2008 presidential elections show us that the internet is here to stay - and its been growing as a political force since the last time around. Ron Paul and Barack Obama have found huge support, millions of dollars in donations, and tons of voters and activists for their causes. Other candidates have benefited as well, just not to the phenomenal and record-breaking quantities of those two in particular.
What's the secret? Well, a lot of times its the message. Internet users tend to be a little more libertarian about social issues than the general public. A candidate with even hints of a libertarian outlook could get page after page of viral (free) SEO just by having a popular message.
Of course, libertarians aren't the only ones that go online. The internet represents most of the demographics your campaign might appeal to, and once you find the right audience your fellow-minded citizens are likely to take up the cause to the forums and chat rooms. Why do I know this? Well, because I'm one of those online activists. A lot of political people like to debate topics online and when they happen to hear about a candidate they like they'll advance the cause for their own self-interest of having the right person in the job.
Jacksonville is no different, we have our political chats and we have our online activists. Of course, its a different demographic than the national stage but I'll try to keep my political analysis on my political websites :)
Bottom line, your campaign needs an SEO strategy because unless they're broke your competitor has one too.
