TechCrunch expands its clout into politics

Jessica Guynn of the Los Angeles Times writes Tuesday about tech blog TechCrunch and how it has extended its clout into politics.

Guynn writes, “Silicon Valley has long represented the land of opportunity for politicians. Its citizens have deep pockets, and the technology it produces increasingly transforms the way political battles are waged. But the region’s ability to engage Washington in a meaningful dialogue on the issues important to Silicon Valley has been hit or miss despite a dramatic increase in political lobbying.

“‘The valley is quickly maturing and evolving in recognizing, from a business perspective, that it needs to have a much bigger, more effective voice in Washington, D.C.,’ Democratic strategist Chris Lehane said. ‘TechCrunch got the candidates to engage about technology policy at a level they haven’t done before.’

“A onetime corporate lawyer and Internet company executive, Arrington decamped after the dot-com bust to lead a beach-bum lifestyle, only to return in 2005 when he ran out of money. He started TechCrunch as a lark and was as surprised as anyone when the site took off. He was even more surprised at the influence he quickly wielded.”

Read more here.