WINS THE GOLDEN MOUSE AWARD FROM THE CONGRESSIONAL MANAGEMENT FOUNDATION

Washington, Jan 14, 2008 - The web site of Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) was honored today by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) as one of the best web sites in Congress. The site, www.house.gov/stearns, received the Golden Mouse Award and was highlighted in The Golden Mouse Report: Lessons from the Best Web Sites on Capitol Hill. In selecting the best sites, CMF analyzed 618 congressional web sites.

"Increasingly, people go online to find information, get the news, seek assistance, and to make their opinions known," stated Stearns. "I want my web site to provide helpful information to my constituents so that I can better serve them. I am honored to receive this award."

Web sites were graded on how well they incorporate five basic building blocks which extensive research identified as critical for effectiveness: audience, content, usability, interactivity, and innovation. According to The Golden Mouse Report, Stearns' web site "offers novel services and information that enhance the value of the web site to users. The constituent services section eases users through the process of getting the assistance they need. Mobile office hours, a complete staff listing, and a real life example