The set up by Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kans.) doesn't include any of the newer Web applications, while former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's www.mittromney.com includes videos but no blogs or other tools that backers could use to form online communities around his campaign for the GOP nomination.

Germany said she expects the Republicans to adopt more social networking and Web 2.0 tools as the campaign progresses. "Campaigns know there is power in these social networking sites and they will figure out how to leverage that better," she said.

Politicians aren't the only ones working to take advantage of Web 2.0. Corporations are flocking to social networks as a way to create and support communities of customers to help boost the appeal of their products. In the past two weeks, for example, General Motors Corp.'s Pontiac unit, Procter & Gamble and the Portland Trailblazers professional basketball team have all launched new social networking sites.