DISCUSSION OF WOMENS ISSUES IN THE 1996 INTERNET CAMPAIGN

This study examines the discussion of women's issues on the Web pages of all major-party candidates for the U.S. Senate in 1996. Although th e amount of discussion of women's issues is low, the amount does repre sent a modest increase over that historically contained in TV ads. Can didates of both parties are inclined to discuss abortion on their home pages-typically articulating clear-cut positions. Discussion of women 's issues other than abortion is characterized by low specificity and is undertaken almost entirely by Democratic candidates. We conclude th at Internet technology introduces new factors into campaigning which c an increase the incentives for the discussion of women's issues by can didates.