Coming Soon: 2009 Gold Mouse Awards

The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) will soon begin evaluating all 618 House and Senate Web sites with a report expected by the end of the year. Since 2002 the CMF has been giving out the Gold Mouse awards along with a report on congressional Web sites. Each site will be given grades ranging from A+ to F with a personalized report and recommendations. The average grade last time in 2007 was a D. The sites that score well stand out in legislative content, constituent services, timeliness and usability.

RollCall ($$) reports that Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA) has received a Gold Mouse award every year that the CMF has conducted the analysis. According to Ahmed Bhadelia, Honda's online media director, the office is planning for a redesign that will allow more constituent interaction. This is significant considering many other congressional offices continue to put up barriers to constituent communication. Many Members now have accounts on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. However, this is insignificant if the sites do not successfully serve their constituents, for example, by providing up to date information. The CMF has a FAQ page where you can find out more information about the project.

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