These days everybody seems to have a Facebook profile, even political candidates for the 2006 mid-term elections. According to a new study, U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison., has garnered more support on Facebook than any other political candidate.
Two professors from Bentley College in Massachusetts, Christine Williams and Jeff Gulati, concluded Baldwin, along with Hillary Clinton, D-New York, were the most widely supported candidates by Facebook users.
The study analyzed Facebook's Election Pulse, which is based on the number of users supporting each candidate in their profiles.
The study conducted by the professors found even candidates themselves are posting their own profiles to gain the attention of students.
Williams and Gulati said every candidate has at least one supporter in his or her tally, but most have supporters in the triple digits. This way, candidates can attract supporters even if they have not posted a profile.
However, Facebook is a self-regulating forum, where students can post their own thoughts and insights. Because of this, the professors warn certain profiles may contain derogatory comments.
According to Election Pulse, Baldwin has approximately 86 percent of student support, while her Republican opponent Dave Magnum has approximately 14 percent.
