Focus Washington Talks With Qorvis Communications Senior Director Wyeth Ruthven About the Influential Role of Twitter in the Upcoming Presidential Race

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wyeth Ruthven, Senior Director of Qorvis Communications, an awarding winning PR and communications management firm, sat down with Focus Washington host Chuck Conconi on the mounting role of Twitter in the upcoming presidential election campaigns.

Ruthven discussed his recent study which looks at Twitter's new position in political campaigning, acknowledging that the 2012 elections will be the first presidential campaign where Twitter will have a significant role to play.

In his recent study, Ruthven measured the growth rate of candidates' popularity in the polls compared to their followers on Twitter. He attributed Herman Cain's recent increase in followers to voter curiosity. "You are making a much smaller investment in a candidate by following them on Twitter than giving them a donation or giving them your vote," said Ruthven. "This interest around Herman Cain is mirrored by the rise in his number of followers on Twitter." Ruthven noted that Cain's Twitter following had grown "exponentially" in the last two months increasing by 29% in September, and 68% in October."

When discussing how Twitter will affect voting, Ruthven said that was still yet to be determined but did offer some insight. "Twitter doesn't measure votes, it measures momentum," said Ruthven. "Twitter has been more effective as a tool for the press shop in a campaign and the fundraising office than in get-out-the-vote operations at least thus far."

Ruthven's study is ongoing; as the election progresses he promised to be back with more updates on Twitter in the presidential campaign of 2012.

Focus Washington is our capital's go-to channel for interviews and commentary around the Beltway. Focus Washington hosts interviews with people who know what is going on around D.C., and who are intimately involved with the Washington power structure. More information is available at www.focuswashington.com.

SOURCE Focus Washington