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

By Paul Barbagallo

Democratic challenger John Kerry turned to the Internet in early July to name his running mate. Hours before he went public with the decision, Kerry e-mailed his choice of North Carolina Sen. John Edwards to more than 1 million individuals who signed up on his Web site, JohnKerry.com, marking the first time a candidate used the Internet for such a crucial announcement. According to reports, roughly 150,000 people signed up to receive the e-mail alert once Kerry told reporters that his Web site subscribers would be the first to hear the news.