Connecticut’s U.S. Congressman, Christopher Shays (@Shays), is in Washington, D.C. today in support of the #dontgo movementthat has rallied Republicans everywhere.  He, like many Republicans, returned to the Capitol to stand with his fellow colleagues in support of a comprehensive energy policy that addresses America’s energy needs – in the short term and in the long run.

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich stood with Republican Leaders in the House this morning at a Capitol press conference – with Congressman Shays standing right with him.

Congressman Shays is using the web application Twitter to spread information about his presence in Washington – absent the normal TV cameras on C-SPAN that the Speaker’s Office refuses to turn on inside the House chamber..

One of the best byproducts of the #dontgo movement is that the incredible power of social networking is finally being used by GOP elected officials to spread the word to Republican activists.  The success of the movement is highlighted by the number of Republican Congressmen that have signed up for Twitter in the past few days and are now furiously working blackberrys and laptops in 140 character bursts.

Also, if you haven’t signed alredy, Congressman Cantor’s petition to Call Congress Back is working on 22,000 signatures – sign it now!