5/3/10: Social Media Campaign Experiences Record Growth Surge

Unshackle Upstate has more than tripled its Facebook fan base in the past two months - now surpassing 15,000 fans - demonstrating that New Yorkers are supporting the coalition's call for reduced state spending, lower taxes and a more responsible state government.

Unshackle Upstate now has one of the largest Facebook followings of all New York-based political-action organizations. Based on statistics provided by Facebook, the average user has 130 friends, meaning Unshackle Upstate's current fan base has the potential to share the coalition's message with two million people.

Unshackle Upstate's social media outreach is a key component to its Judgment Day (Election Day) campaign. The coalition is tracking the actions of state lawmakers while engaging and educating those New Yorkers who have grown increasingly frustrated with the dysfunction of state government and its toxic tax-and-spend culture.

"Reaching 15,000 followers on Facebook is a significant accomplishment and a great milestone for our coalition and for the people of New York. Over the past several months, it's become quite evident just how frustrated New Yorkers are with state government," said Brian Sampson, executive director of Unshackle Upstate. "But rather than simply giving up, the Unshackle Army is taking action. They're recruiting their friends, family members and coworkers and telling lawmakers that they're fed up with Albany's failed policies."

Analysis of the coalition's Facebook traffic showed that each posting is now generating in excess of 30,000 views, Sampson said.

All 212 Senate and Assembly members are up for re-election on Nov. 2 and will be subject to a Judgment Day Scorecard. The Scorecard will provide New Yorkers with information on how their legislators vote on various pro-taxpayer and job creator legislation, as well as on this year's state budget. 

"A key goal of our social media campaign is to energize and educate our supporters," Sampson said. "Our Judgment Day Scorecards will be a tremendous tool for all New Yorkers who want to know if their legislators are truly working in the best interest of the public."   

Sampson added, "All eyes are on our state lawmakers between now and Election Day. The Unshackle Army is growing and taking action. Whether we're talking about license plate fees or skyrocketing property taxes, our supporters have expressed their anger. Either our elected leaders heed the overwhelming call for change, or New York's largest special interest group - taxpayers and employers - will show them the door on November 2. We encourage all New Yorkers to join this movement to save our state."