Larry Purpuro - People

Industry Standard, The, Nov 13, 2000 by Sherri Eng

Director, Republican National Committee's e.GOP Project

As the Republican National Committee's "technology czar," Purpuro is responsible for developing the party's Internet strategy and implementing technology to help raise funds and mobilize voters.

My first "real" job: Legislative assistant for former New Jersey congressman Jim Courter (R-N.J.).

Personal traits I've used to get ahead: Being a good planner and being able to distinguish between what's urgent and what's important.

What I like most about my job: Watching technology transform political campaigns.

Most important decision I made about my career: Deciding to go back to school to earn a law degree at Seton Hall University.

What keeps me up at night: Wondering whether we're moving fast enough. In politics, it seems like we're 10 years behind the private sector. I worry we're not going to have the tools to be effective.

Future role of the Net in politics: I don't see an element in politics that won't be radically changed by the Internet in five years. It will change the way information is disseminated and the way the electorate and the candidates communicate.