Political figures can be purchased using a virtual currency, known as PolitiStock soft money, symbol Ps.
Shares rise and fall with a politician's perceived value or popularity.
PolitiStock's exchange lists 226 stocks, including senators, mainstream presidential and vice-presidential candidates, and some governors. Plans call for adding House members, big-city mayors and other office holders and perhaps politicalissue stocks, party mutual funds, and a futures market based on elections. Eventually, shareholders will be able to use their market 'winnings' to earn prizes such as T-shirts or dinners with a listed political figure. The trio, operating out of their apartments in suburban Virginia, hopes to attract advertisers interested in reaching politically minded people. Reuven and I really don't like politics at all,' says Mr. Karlin, 28.