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The “Solutions Factory” opens

Posted by David on May 15th, 2007

I was at the weekly conservative bloggers briefing a few minutes ago which is hosted by the Heritage Foundation each week.

(Nerd Alert!) And I’m writing this on my brand-spanking new 17″ MacBook Pro at Ebenezers near Union Station. Ebs is simply better because they provide free WiFi and better iced tea.

The special guest today at the briefing was U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) who stopped by to share and launch an “exciting new project” (as Robert Bluey termed it). Let’s dig in.

Cantor started by thanking those of us in the “new media” world for highlighting the importance of new media to Members of Congress. (One Note: Congressman, it’s “modern” media, not “new.” But thx.)

Cantor then noted recent steps he has taken to improve his online relationship with his constituents and the voters in his district:
-Redesigned the .com and .gov websites to as he said, “encourage more interaction with the American people.”
-He has started a blog on his campaign which he said is “not yet striking the right tone with the blog, but its a start.”
-He noted his heavy use of clever and issue-relevant web videos to better articulate a conservative, Republican message.
-House Republican Report Card initiative - quarterly project (I can’t find a link to this on either website).

Cantor then moved to announce his next step in the evolution to be the most open and accessible Congressman:

“The Solutions Factory.”

The Solutions Factory is a place for Americans to help offer solutions - or legislative fixes - to problems plaguing America. Of note, all “solutions” must follow three guidelines:

1. Must be something positive.
2. Must not expand the federal government.
3. Must be fiscally responsible.

The site opens with a web video of Cantor which, as expected, is well-edited and highly produced. I think it could be a bit less sterile — but that’s just me.

The video ends with a powerful message to us: “Be a part of the solution.” This reminds me a lot of something Newt Gingrich would implement.

At the site, visitors are encouraged to Register, Rate Solutions, and Submit Solutions. Housing this site on Cantor’s campaign committee website ensures that this data — registering that is — won’t go to waste!

Overall, the site looks like technorati’s WTF.

In discussing the site, Cantor said that the “Key to this project’s success lies with the community here [bloggers].”

Cantor said the takeaway for Republicans contributing — would be that they would catalog solutions, publish the good ones, and if it’s an idea worthy of legislation, Cantor would introduce it. This is big.

I’ve said before that I think Cantor is making a smart use of technology. This project affirms that statement.

My conclusion is that this is a very novel idea. And one that won’t go unnoticed by many in Virginia and throughout the entire nation, but I wish it followed more closely the model of Utah Republican State Rep. Steve Urquhart’s Politicopia.

In other words, the project should be more open-source - perhaps built on a Wiki which encourages collaboration and real discussion between those on the right and the left. Another point would be to either give this site it’s own .com domain to better brand its message or house it on Cantor’s .gov website.

Cantor’s national approach to reach his arms around the energy of the community is on-point and is a much needed element to add to the discussion; however, he’s limiting his scope by branding it off of his campaign website. There will simply be some people - like me for example - who won’t want to become a campaign operative or likely donor - but who might add perspective to the discussion. He’ll miss those people.

Regardless, this project is another step toward Revolution. And I’ll dish out a helping of porridge for that.

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