Google plans to livestream convention events using Google+ Hangouts. | REUTERS Google tapped for Tampa convention

The Republican National Convention is trying to go high tech — and it has enlisted Google to help it out.

GOP leaders are designating the search giant and YouTube as the "Official Social Platform and Live Stream Provider" of the 2012 convention in Tampa, Fla., which kicks off on Aug. 27.


For the RNC, the new partnership with Google and YouTube means it can upgrade its convention experience ahead of the most digitally oriented presidential election ever. Google plans to livestream convention events using Google+ Hangouts and show off parts of the convention floor on Google Maps, while teaching delegates and others on hand how to share their experiences online.

RNC CEO William Harris said in a statement the goal is to provide voters "an unprecedented degree of participation and, for the very first time, [give] every American who has access to a computer, tablet, video gaming system, interactive television, or video-enabled smart-phone an exclusive backstage pass to the podium of a national political convention."

And for Google, its coming work with the RNC is just the company's latest overture in relationship building with Republicans. Earlier this year, it co-sponsored a GOP presidential debate, and Google has worked with Republicans and Democrats to demonstrate the impact and use of online ads.

Separately, the search giant has tried to improve its GOP ties in Washington — most recently, hiring former Republican Rep. Susan Molinari as the head of its expanding D.C. office.

"By incorporating our tools and technology, we are offering a behind-the-scenes look at the convention process and allowing voters, delegates and viewers to shape the conversation," said Molinari, Google’s vice president of public policy, in a statement.

This article first appeared on POLITICO Pro at 6:00 a.m. on April 13, 2012.

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