Txt if ur up 4 it!

'Txt if ur up 4 it' was one gimmick that New Labour devised in 2001 for getting young voters to turnout. Basically it was sent out to all numbers that registered. US Democrat nominee hopeful John Edwards is going one step further. Edwards is said to have more than 13,000 supporters on his database, created by texting 'HOPE' to 30644, and is planning to send them all the message: “Will u donate $ to my campaign?”. Those who reply will then be diverted to a recorded message that tells them

“I’m calling to remind you that with just over a week before the end of the quarter the time to act is now. I’m not asking you to help us out-raise everyone else. I’m only asking you for what we need to get our message of real change out to voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, and other key states nationwide.”

Simon Pleasants asks "With cell phone messages becoming the latest tool in the race for cash among the campaigns, we have to wonder what the most popular reply will be in texting lingo for those who don’t want solicitations? There’s always the “$0,” as in zero, on the phone pad. Or, No tks, TTYL". Fair point, what this demonstrates is another aspect of the technology driven professional campaign that is using all resources to increase the chances of victory. Edwards is planning to start a dialogue later in the campaign, though some commentators feel this should have been the first stage, by asking people to phone in their comments and issues. hese, accompanied by Edwards' response, will be posted on his website so pulling people closer to his campaign.