House Republicans today launched a new "communications tool" that House Minority Whip Eric Cantor and Deputy Whip Kevin McCarthy say will help them distribute up-to-the-minute information.

The BlackBerry application is called WhipCast and it's designed to give "instantaneous alerts, audio updates, video features, and additional messages to users."

TPMDC has downloaded the app and it's an icon designed to look like a flag - a silver star on a blue circle over a red- and-white striped square.

Cantor (R-VA) issued this statement:

"Today's launch of the WhipCast BlackBerry app is the latest demonstration of our commitment to modernize the way we communicate with Americans from coast-to-coast. The WhipCast enables the Whip Team to communicate with the public in a faster, smarter, and more effective way."

McCarthy (R-CA) said:

"As easy as scrolling through a BlackBerry, Americans can now be connected to instantaneous news and videos. WhipCast is more than just the House Republicans gaining technological ground - it's a new and better way of communicating. It's been very useful for Members of the Whip Team, and we are excited to take this new BlackBerry application nationwide for all Americans to use."

Earlier this year I wrote about the Republicans finally getting hip to technology.

We'll let you know how it goes. Our guess is they are aiming for a better launch than GOP.com.