Anderson said she thinks that when Members realize the power of iPhone apps, there will be an increase in development.
“I think politicians are surprisingly a little bit behind the power curve,” said Stetler, the app developer.
He points to the fact that the benefits of investing in an iPhone app, which can cost from $7,500 to $15,000 to be done professionally, are hard to quantify. This makes some lawmakers apprehensive.
Developers have to be careful about what content they put on apps. If Members use their Members’ Representational Allowances to pay developers, the apps are subject to content regulations similar to franked mail, which means they can’t promote campaign events.
If Members use donor money to develop an app, they can promote their campaigns and ask for donations, but they can’t promote their official duties.
But recent companies have sprung up that allow businesses to create a basic mobile application for free. The only cost to Members would be a $99 fee to submit an approval request to Apple.
“Look at how successful [President Barack] Obama’s Facebook was and how everyone was surprised,” Stetler said. “IPhone applications have the same potential. If you don’t have an application in the next election cycle, I think it’s going to be a disadvantage.”
At least some Congressional offices agree: In August, the Republican New Media Caucus will be hosting a seminar on the emerging world of do-it-yourself mobile applications.
More on Congressional Apps
Although they’re generally similar, some iPhone apps for Members of Congress have slightly different features.
Newsletters The apps of some Members, including Reps. Kay Granger (R-Texas), Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.), Sue Myrick (R-N.C.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), have links to the their official newsletter.
Photos The apps of Reps. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) and Paul Broun (R-Ga.) have photo galleries.
Constituent Surveys The apps for Reps. Ben Quayle (R-Ariz.), Heinrich, Paulsen and Broun allow users to fill out a survey.
Votes The app for Rep. John Fleming (R-La.) includes his voting record.
Tips The app for Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) includes information on Washington, D.C., internships and visitor directions.
Political Info McCarthy’s app also includes access to the GOP’s “Pledge to America” and its YouCut program.
Donations The app for Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) allows users to make campaign donations.
Rep. Bill Cassidy has his blood drawn by Alesha Barbour during a free hepatitis screening in the Rayburn House Office Building hosted by the Congressional Viral Hepatitis Caucus to recognize "National Viral Hepatitis Testing Day."
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