[Air-L] Politicians' popularity on social networks: tools available?

Dear all, first I'd like to thank you for the many interesting replies to my question on politicians' use of social network during local elections. The collaborative AoIR environment is amazing! Second, since I am quite new to it, I'd like to ask for your suggestions a related matter: which tools could be used to analyse politicians' popularity on social networks? Please note that I'd like to find out not only the number of supporters (such as fans on FB or followers on Twitter) but also the way users "spread the word" about politicians on the web. Many thanks, Daria -- Daria Santucci, Ph.D. University of Torino, Italy skype dariaonline twitter dariatweet