An exploration of state legislator communication technology use and importance

This article explores the importance and communication frequency associated with legislator use of communication technologies (CTs). Demographic variations are examined. Our results suggest that significant complexity surrounds legislator utilization of CTs for their interactions with peers and constituents. For example, we conclude that: (a) legislators find mature CTs more important than Internet-enabled CTs; (b) legislator age and years in office impact the use of CTs, with older and younger legislators communicating less frequently; (c) gender is not a significant differentiator in CT use or importance; and (d) minority-party legislators communicate more frequently than their majority-party counterparts.