Some top-notch professionals with expertise in social media and politics will be joining the Social Media Club of Austin Thursday night to discuss trends in politics and public policy.

Jon Lebkowsky has been on the cutting edge of social media for a number of years and has involvement with national presidential campaigns, including Dean and Kerry, as well as issue campaign efforts on the net.

Chris Leonard is the social media expert for Texas Governor Rick Perry’s political efforts and has been instrumental in establishing the on line presence for the Texas Republican Party and many of its leaders.

Sam McCabe is a political consultant, and college student in San Marcos, and has been the point person for using social media techniques to dramatically increase student participation in politics in Hays County, Texas.

Eileen Smith, editor of In The Pink Texas, will complete the panel adding the keen insights she is known for in her writing.

We’ll be discussing the impact of social media on the upcoming elections, how candidates are incorporating social media into their campaign strategies, and ultimately how public policy will be impacted. Net neutrality is just one looming issue, with tremendous potential for impact on modern society, that directly ties to social media.

Following the panel, we’ll get interactive. So if you’re reading this, or even if you’re not, please join us this Thursday evening.

We especially want to thank Texas State Representative Patrick Rose, and his staff, for making space available for us to meet in the State Capitol. Thank you Mireya and Jerry.