"Our web site is a critical tool for providing my constituents with information, not only about my positions, but about how my office can help them interact with the federal government and get involved in the people's Congress," said Rep. Markey. "As chairman of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, I have a great appreciation for the vital role the Internet plays in the give-and-take of ideas and opinions in the political, business and educational arenas."

"One of the key reasons for the awards is to highlight best practices so offices can improve their sites by learning from those doing a good job," said Beverly Bell, CMF's Executive Director. "Web sites like Rep. Markey's provide a template for other congressional offices to follow."

"Rep. Markey's Web site shows that he understands the value of creating a virtual office to reach specific audiences who have come to expect having their needs met online," said Bell.  "The Congressional Management Foundation congratulates Rep. Markey for having a Web site that is among the best-of-the-best on Capitol Hill, and we are pleased to present Rep. Markey with the 2007 Gold Mouse 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. Using these building blocks, an evaluation framework was developed by CMF and their research partners at Harvard, Ohio State, and the University of California-Riverside which would be fair and objective while still taking into account important qualitative factors that affect a visitor's experience on a Web site.  

A full copy of the report, the 2007 Gold Mouse Report: Lessons from the Best Web Sites on Capitol Hill, is available on the Congressional Management Foundation's Web site at www.cmfweb.org.