The Governor of Ohio, who is a keen advocate of technology, has admitted that he doesn't use email.

Currently drawing up plans to turn the state into an internet research hub, Bob Taft admitted to Associated Press reporters that he has never sent a work-related email as governor, does not have a computer on his desk, and asks staff to track down information he needs on the internet.

The Republican governor, who is running for a second term, explained that he prefers hand written notes, telephone calls and real, not virtual, meetings.

Last week Taft pushed a proposal to provide faster internet connections to businesses and colleges.

His Third Frontier Project will spend $1.6bn over 10 years to create hi-tech research centres, promote co-operation between business and academia, and convert university research into commercial ventures.