Kerry, Bush crowd mailboxes, both real and cyber, in a push to win votes and funds.

By Paul Barbagallo

One demographic segment that particularly intrigued the Bush camp was working mothers. According to research, a significant percentage of working and single moms have shifted online to get their news, shop and communicate with friends and family. The campaign thus created an online-advertising appeal targeting Web sites that working moms visit on a regular basis. The message came from first lady Laura Bush and focused on an issue that most women consider critical this election cycle: education reform.