Kevin Kuehner, an adjunct professor in the College of Arts & Sciences at Syracuse University, is hoping to win in Onondaga County’s 16th district by reaching out to student voters through online electronic media.
"It's a total revolution," Kuehner said. “Everything is different."
After losing to long-time incumbent Democrat Sam Laguzza in 2005 and 2007, Kuehner, 35, decided he would try a different approach toward campaigning in the 16th district, which includes most of Syracuse University and the University neighborhood.
"Every election dramatically affects your life," Kuehner said. "The younger generation should to a better job than the generations before them."
Kuehner launched a Facebook group, a Twitter page, and an interactive Web site aimed at registering students to vote and recruiting volunteers to help his campaign.
“It’s becoming more of a requirement to reach out through electronic means and to use social networking sites,” Kuehner said.
Onondaga County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Diane Dwire says although technology will have to play a bigger role in upcoming elections, part of the population still prefers to see candidates in the flesh.
“There is still an older generation that isn’t into computers,” Dwire said. “People still pay attention to print media and want to meet face-to-face.”
As veteran politicians worked the floor at the traditional Spaghetti Supper at Our Lady of Pompei School on election day, Kuehner sat among the crowd, updating his Facebook status from his BlackBerry to let his friends know that he would be at Varsity Pizza giving out a free slice to any student who voted.
“I try to explain to students that not being involved is one of the worst things you can do,” Kuehner said.
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