Political Trackers Busier Than Usual

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) – A change in tactics has some politicians on edge.

For years, political parties hired videographers to keep track of opponents during the thick of campaigns. Now the trackers seem to be busier than usual and working year round.

Political science assistant professor Christopher Mann of the University of Miami in Florida said trackers are very common in campaigns — especially closely contested races. They're even used in some cases to make sure a candidate's statements aren't taken out of context.

At least that's the case in Maine, where Republican Gov. Paul LePage is demanding that Democrats call off their tracker who's been showing up at the governor's public events. If not, he'll refuse to meet with Democratic leaders.

Mann said while most of the time it is harmless but when it impedes governing as it's doing in Maine it's not a good thing.

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