This will be the final side by side evaluation of this race. If you are interested in the September evaluation, click here. Now on to this evaluation…

The candidates:

Democrat

Ryan Frederic – http://www.ryanfrederic.com/

Republican

Gail Bates (Delegate District 9A) – www.gailbatesforsenate.com

The Scorecard: (Click the “Yes” or follower numbers below to view the social media page)

10/4/14	Facebook	Twitter	YouTube	LinkedIn
Ryan Frederic	404 (+5)	104 (+9)		Yes
Gail Bates	637 (+56)	325 (+23)	Yes	Yes

Comments: Gail Bates has come a long way since I started reviewing this race back in February. She now holds commanding follower advantages on Facebook and Twitter and remains the only candidate with a YouTube channel (I wish there were some more up to date videos on it). She added by far the most new followers on Facebook and Twitter over the past month.

Ryan Frederic remains somewhat active on Facebook. It appears as he has given up on Twitter all together as there have been no post to that platform since late July.

Now we all know that follower trends is only one part of technology outreach, follower engagement is as (if not more) important. Let’s take a look at engagement numbers on Facebook:

Here is a look at the Facebook activity over the past week of the candidate pages in this race: (Click photo for full size)

Both candidates have been equally active over the past month but Gail Bates received more follower engagement (likes, shares and comments) over the past week.

I would have to say that Gail Bates is the Technology Outreach Leader in this race. She is much more active online and has attracted the most new followers over the past few months. This race should be somewhat close and using every form of outreach to potential voters will be important for both candidates.

Early voting begins on October 23rd. Make sure you know where to vote (Click the graphic for Howard County locations):

I have some special posts planned during early voting. I will be listing out “My Favorite” Howard County candidates and promoting them on the blog site and all of the ScottE Software social media channels.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend.

Scott E #HoCoPolitics