Links to Politics & Gov't On-Line

    The amount of info on the web is enormous, as anyone who's ever tried to run a search can attest to.  And, to put it all in context, best estimates say that only a fraction, maybe 20 - 40 % of what's out there is actually making its way to the search engines. 
    Well  ...
    Here at DownStreet, we'd like to try to help.  So each issue, we post a few links in Politics & Government to sites that might interest you.  Sometimes the links will be related to one another  ...  sometimes we'll just offer up a somewhat random sampling.  In either case, we think we might be able to help you find the kind of site you've been looking for.
    Of course, while we can't vouch for the fact that every link we provide will be of interest to everyone, we do our best to filter out the noise and the bustle.  ...

Two Top Flight Sites for Campaign Info
Last month we mentioned the Politics1 web site at the best on the net for finding out everything and anything about everyone running for office in the country.  This month, we're continuing the link to Politics1, and to Vermont Secretary of State's "Elections and Campaign Finance" site.  Partly we're doing this because the presidential election is obviously still up in the air as we go to 'press'; but partly, we're doing it in the hope that we'll all come to understand that elections are really the beginning, and not the end, of something.

• Politics1- The #1 Net Guide to American Politics, Candidates & Parties
  Last month we said:  If you vote, this site is a must.  ...  Now we can say:  If you voted, this site is still a must.  Go their news page for up-to-the-minute headlines from around the country about the goings on in Florida and the continuing attempt to determine an outcome to the 2000 presidential election.  {The original review follows.}
  .
  PBS had this to say:  "Politics1 meets the ideals of the PBS Democracy Project by providing a citizen-oriented approach, content with depth, deliberation and duration, interactivity, and information that empowers and educates the public."  And Fox News, this:  "The Politics1 Report newsletter is easily one of the most even-handed and truly non-partisan publications of its kind."  Our take?  These are understatements.  On Politics1, you can find all the info you can imagine -- for both the federal elections and state-wide contests {Politics1 Directory of Vermont State & Congressional Candidates}.  There's also lots more info here, including listings of all candidates, and links to a variety of resources, including sources of news and links to both info for local elections and to sites of every registered party. There's even a Directory of Political Debates & Issues.
  .
  We could go on.  But for now, all we can say is:  VISIT THIS SITE.  If you care about democracy and the value of your vote, you owe it to yourself & your neighbors.  Rating:  ***** [5 stars]
  .

• Office of Vermont Secretary of State -- Elections and Campaign Finance 
  Last month we urged you to visit this site, partly out of respect for John McCain's commitment to campaign finance reform.  This month, we continue the listing because campaign finance still needs reform.  {Last month's review follows.}
  
  Our second offering this issue comes from the Secretary of State's office.  It is a solid worthwhile site which, again, you ought to visit before you vote.
  .
  Your first stop might be the 2000 General Candidates sub-section -- a listing of all candidates for every office in the state for state-wide, senate, rep, and high bailiff elections.  Also interesting is the up-dated info on issues & decisions affecting this election cycle, e.g., Judge Sessions order on mass media reporting requirements {which is available as a full-text download}.  For those candidates who have posted pages, there's also a Link to Web Sites of Vermont Candidates -- although, unfortunately, the list is very short compared to the total number of candidates out there.
  .
  This site is a great complement to the Politics1 site.  But it's also a solid piece of work all on its own.  Rating:  ****1/2 [4-1/2 stars]

*******       *******

    If you know of any links that you think are worthwhile, why not send them along to  ... 

             links@downstreetmagazine.com  ...

    If we agree, we'll be happy to include them in an upcoming issue to pass the word along.  ...
    Thanks.

*******       *******

.