We were able to make good use of Meetup.com and other websites in the 2008 Presidential campaign.

But has anyone else taken a look at www.couchsurfing.com ?

I've got an account there, but haven't had time to put it to use yet. Basically, you sign up for the site and you have the option to offer to share your couch or a spare bedroom for any travelers that might be on a tight budget. I've been planning to use it the next time I travel overseas - like backpacking Europe, for example.

I'm pretty sure most of us here would be more than happy to offer someone like Ron Paul a free place to stay overnight before or after one of his campaign stops.

For lesser-known candidates in particular, Couchsurfing.com can serve a vital role in helping our 2010 and 2012 (and beyond) candidates run very tight, cost effective campaigns if they don't have to worry about hotel expenses.

Of course, for safety reasons and political prudence, there would need to be some sort of vetting process for those offering a place to stay.

Thoughts?