"A campaign’s ability to understand the Internet and protect itself is directly proportional to its investment in staff who understand it," said Andrew Rasiej, founder of the Web site TechPresident.com. "They don’t even think of it," he said, adding that the lack of precautions is a "symptom" of how poorly the Net is understood in political circles.

The 2008 race for the presidency is shaping up to be the most online election season yet, with candidates making major announcements on YouTube, appearing on all the social networks, and, most importantly, using the Net to raise money. In the first six months of 2007, Democrats raised $28 million online and Republicans $14 million. Those numbers will only escalate as the election year begins and the primary races get underway. NewsFactor Network | Campaigns Sitting Ducks for Phishers