The Year of YouTube

2006 could be the year of video politics - on the small screen. Local and state politicians have discovered the power of the Tube, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

"It allows your average voter to get our message," said Jess McIntosh, Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party spokeswoman.

Politicians are impressed. U.S. Senate candidate Amy Klobuchar received some 3500 views on YouTube and Republican Mark Kennedy drew more than 5,000 views.

And don't forget negative advertising.

The DFL has posted a new video mocking Kennedy's ads, which feature his family, his geekiness and his claim to independence. The DFL's faux ad is titled "Makeover Mark" and includes photos and video of Kennedy with Republican luminaries, including President Bush.

There's an anti-Klobuchar video on the site as well. It includes a lighter moment during a campaign appearance in which "she sticks her tongue out at Senator Barack Obama,'' according to the person who posted the video. It has drawn more than 1,500 views.