Back in the days before Twitter, Facebook and Youtube, Labor Day weekend marked the start of many political campaigns' most intense work — door knocking.

Some politicians love it for the calorie-burning exercise while others bemoan the snarling dogs and hot late-summer sun.

Either way, door-to-door campaigning by candidates is getting rarer and rarer, a survey of some statewide campaigns found.

While many candidates wish they had more time for one-on-one contact on New Mexico's front porches, at least one political science professor says people are actually seeing more of candidates these days, albeit on computer and cell phone screens.

"What we hear and know about candidates isn't from a personal dynamic or personal account as much anymore, but through social media," said Gabriel Sanchez of The University of New Mexico.

While Sanchez said he thinks personal contact is still more important than being Facebook friends with a candidate, he predicts that the gap between "knowing" a candidate through social media and actually shaking his or her hand might grow.

"I think that disconnect is going to get worse," he said.

That's not to say candidates today are all about texting and TV ads. Especially around the Labor Day weekend, would-be office holders are glad-handing at many parades and community events.

Democrat Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, for example, will be in Socorro, Isleta, San Juan County, Wagon Mound, Santa Fe and possibly Albuquerque this weekend.

The Republican candidate for secretary of state, Sen. Dianna Duran, will be in Hatch, Socorro, Bernalillo, Las Vegas and Wagon Mound.

Attorney General candidate and Republican Matt Chandler will also be out a variety of events.

"With the state being so large, it does get difficult to hit so many different areas, especially now with a lot of places having fairs, and all around the same time," said Henry Varela, Chandler's campaign manager.

"But Matt makes it a big point to get out there to try and meet as many people as he can."

Chandler's opponent, incumbent Democrat Gary King, will make many stops at events as well, something he said is more effective than going door to door, but not the same.

King, a former state representative, campaigned on sidewalks and at kitchen tables for years.

"When I was in the Legislature, people would say 'Come in and have a cup of coffee,' and I'd do that sometimes and I do kind of miss that," he said.

Because of the rural nature of New Mexico — even in some of the more urban districts — candidates are opting for phone calls and mailers.

"If you've got 30,000 constituents, (door knocking) is an effective way," King said. "But when you've got a little under 2 million, there are more effective ways to get your message out."

On the down-ballot statewide races, candidates are trying for all exposure they can, blending old fashioned campaigning with new methods.

Ray Powell, the Democrat who wants to be state land commissioner, said he uses Facebook, for example, but then stopped at a little fruit stand on his way home from Taos this week to meet potential supporters.

"For older people, there's no substitute for them to look you in the eye, see you body language and ask you questions," he said. "For younger people, they appreciate being able to communicate with you quickly."

However, in smaller races such as those for legislative seats, door knocking remains one key way to campaign.

Rep. Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, said talking to people in their homes is an important way to let voters know about himself — and he's found a way to maximize the time he spends in the district.

"Actually, I do it on my bike," he said of the rides he makes to neighbors in his district. "It makes it faster."

While Egolf has all the social media feeds a campaign junkie could want, he knows not everyone is plugged in that way.

"I just talked to someone who doesn't have a computer or TV or Facebook, so you've got to go door-to-door to reach them."

While candidates are walking less and less, that doesn't mean campaigners aren't out in precincts, however. Democrats for President Barack Obama, for example, sent an e-mail last month hoping to drum up volunteers to knock on 200,000 doors across the country, including in Santa Fe.

And, some of statewide candidates will go door-to-door, including Denish and Chandler, although Chandler's campaign hasn't decided where.

"It will probably be the rural areas, the places not touched as much by advertising," Varela said.

Contact Kate Nash at 986-3036 or knash@sfnewmexican.com. Read her blog at www.greenchilechatter.com.