Lincoln Labs betting that political clout is a function of tech savvy
WASHINGTON – Lincoln Labs, a self-proclaimed conservative technology group created in 2013, operates with the stated goal of: “To create and support a community of like-minded individuals who desire to advance liberty in the public square with the use of technology.”
The company announced it has launched an app store designed to be a one-stop shopping center for political campaigns looking to adopt technology tools.
The apps range from Gmail accounts to advertising platforms like Targeted Victory.
Mobile technology is increasingly seen as a vital factor in any modern political campaign. The election of President Obama in 2008 and 2012 is largely credited to the campaign’s ability to mobilize voters and supporters via a combination of big data and mobile technology.
Following the defeat of Mitt Romney in the 2012 campaign, many in the GOP blamed the party’s voter engagement system, called ORCA, for depressing turn out. The system suffered catastrophic failure leading one Romney campaign official to comment “ORCA is lying on a beach with a harpoon through it.”
App store goal is to level the playing field
Lincoln Labs aim is to correct the technological edge the Democrats have seemed to enjoy.
“The apps you see today are just the beginning,” Lincoln Labs co-founder Chris Abrams said in a statement. “We are asking our colleagues, members and partners to share what other products they use to make their advocacy and political efforts more effective.”
The organization is seen by many in DC as part of the GOP’s ongoing efforts to correct the shortcomings in its party following the 2012 defeat.
Campaigns are big business in the U.S. In terms of population, the U.S. is the world’s second-largest democracy behind India and the most expensive place in the world to run for office.
In 2012 nearly $6 billion was spent on political campaigns. The Obama camp raised more than $1 billion in 2012 through digital donations.
