Dingell wins Gold Mouse award for website, says he's expanding social media presence
U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, has won the 112th Congress Gold Mouse Award for having one of the best websites on Capitol Hill, his office announced today.
The award is given by the Congressional Management Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit group working to improve communications between citizens and Congress.
Of the 618 congressional websites graded, a total of 98 personal office, committee and leadership websites earned A's and will receive platinum, gold, silver or bronze awards.
U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn
Ryan J. Stanton
"I appreciate being selected to receive this distinguished award," Dingell said in a statement. "Communicating directly with my constituents and providing access to my office in all ways possible are important to me. In today's world, online access is critical, and I am continuing to expand my social media presence so that I can continue to best serve my constituents as well as keep them informed in real-time regarding my actions on their behalf in Congress."
With the help of his staff, Dingell maintains an active presence on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.
CMF conducted its analysis from June through September and today released its latest report, identifying recent trends related to online communications in Congress. The report found a significant number of House and Senate member websites lacked basic educational and transparency features like links to bills and voting records.
The report found Democratic and Republican websites are generally similar in quality, although Democrats had a higher percentage of award-winning websites. About 20 percent of all Democratic websites scored an A, while 12 percent of Republican websites scored an A.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
Diane
Tue, Oct 25, 2011 : 5:30 p.m.
He needs to retire.
towny
Tue, Oct 25, 2011 : 9:12 a.m.
Sure isn't dingell doing the work he is probably in bed by 6 or 7 in the evening. What a waste. This is pure example of a politician hanging around way to long. Dingell is a dinosaur who should be gone. We need to get some fresh young blood into make some much needed changes. Prime example of what is wrong with this country's government.
David Briegel
Mon, Oct 24, 2011 : 8:13 p.m.
Keep up the good work Congressman Dingell, you represent us well!
xmo
Mon, Oct 24, 2011 : 8:03 p.m.
Thank goodness his website is good because as we saw during the "Obama Care" debate, Rep. Dingell seemed to be hard of hearing!
Roadman
Wed, Oct 26, 2011 : 1:58 a.m.
"Michigan's Dingell Counting on a 29th victory" by Jennifer Steinhauer on October 19th, 2010. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/20/us/politics/20dingell.html" rel='nofollow'>www.nytimes.com/2010/10/20/us/politics/20dingell.html</a>
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Oct 25, 2011 : 2:57 a.m.
I don't remember that making the NY Times. Do you have a link?
Roadman
Tue, Oct 25, 2011 : 1:38 a.m.
@xmo: Hard of hearing? Maybe. ButI loved the sign language employed by GOP nominee Chase Ingersoll at last year's debate with Dingell - he seemed to have no problem understanding that and it made the New York times.