Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney will be making his long-awaited announcement of a running mate in 21st century fashion - through a smartphone application.
Romney aide Beth Myers, who is heading up the former Massachusetts Governor's search for a vice presidential nominee, sent an email to Romney supporters on Tuesday morning that touted the new app.
"These last few months, I've had the privilege and honor of leading Governor Romney's search for a vice presidential running mate," Myers wrote. "While I won't be breaking any news today, I wanted to let you know how to be the first to get the VP scoop with our new Mitt's VP app.
"Just download the free app on your iPhone or Android device and when Mitt decides on his running mate, you'll get an exclusive notification of his VP selection before anyone else," she added.
Romney has been narrowing his running mate short-list since securing the GOP presidential nomination this spring. He is said to be considering GOP Senators Rob Portman of Ohio and Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire as well as outside names such as Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
President Obama's re-election campaign has its own smartphone app, although not for the same purpose -- Vice President Joe Biden's position is considered secure on the 2012 ticket.
The Obama app, also available for iPhone and Android users, is designed to help supporters participate in the campaign with links to local phone banks and events and includes advice for volunteers to canvass their neighborhoods. The app also includes information about local voter registration data, laws, and voting locations.
Obama's use of such technology, especially with regard to fundraising, is widely credited with playing a leading role in his 2008 victory.
"As we push through the last 100 days of this election, our focus remains on helping make grassroots organizing as easy and accessible as possible for the volunteers and supporters that are the heart and soul of this campaign," Stephanie Cutter, Obama's deputy campaign manager, wrote in an e-mail to supporters.
She added, "That's why we designed our new app to help break down the distinction between online and offline organizing, giving every supporter the same opportunities to get involved that they would find in a field office."
by RTT Staff Writer
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