Hostway Offers Politicians Free Web Hosting, Opportunity To Level Playing Field In 2004

Chicago—December 03, 2003—If the Internet is leveling the political playing field for candidates, Web hosting leader Hostway Corporation is offering to flatten it completely by giving 1,000 political candidates free hosting of their Web sites through the end of the 2004 campaign season.

The company said its offer of "free speech" for local, state and federal politicians is consistent with American ideals of freedom and fair access, and is evidence of Hostway’s overall commitment to providing a no-hassle Web hosting experience.

"Democratic presidential contender Howard Dean has made great inroads this campaign season by demonstrating the power and potential of the Internet," says John Lee, Director of Marketing for Hostway. "At Hostway, we think all candidates should recognize what Dean and others are doing, and put the Internet at the center of their communications strategies."

To take advantage of this offer, candidates or their representatives need only go to http://www.hostway.com/clickthevote and complete an online form that will ask some brief qualifying questions to confirm the candidate is legitimately pursuing a local, state or federal elective office. To assure fairness, Hostway will offer free hosting to all candidates involved in any particular election race.

The offer, worth at least $100 based on Hostway’s current Web hosting service prices, is available to the first 1,000 local, state or federal candidates who take advantage of it, without regard to political affiliation or philosophy. Each site hosted under the special offer must include on-screen reference to Hostway as its hosting provider.

"We believe the 2004 presidential election could be won or lost on the Internet," adds Lee. "In 1960 it was the dawn of the television age with the Nixon— Kennedy debate. Kennedy won because he mastered the new technology. We want to make sure today’s candidates have equal access to the newest technology and that all of the candidates have an opportunity to reach prospective voters and be heard."