I think the internet and blogging have caused politics to be more tangible to the average person. If you wanted to voice a strong political opinion 10+ years ago, you'd probably just share it verbally with your friends, family, and coworkers, more as just conversational material than trying to make a difference. You probably thought that the only real political impact you could make was through voting, and your voice would be one among ~100,000,000. Nowadays, you can post your opinion on a blog and easily have it read by hundreds or thousands of people. You're more likely to change a few minds with that route versus the verbal one described earlier. I think the increased potential to affect political outcomes (and the general ease of information sharing made available by the internet and blogging) leads to more educated voters who take an interest in politics.
I don't know about any particular candidate / video game combination, but I can imagine most Republican candidates enjoying a FPS every now and then. Not only because of their stereotypical affinity for guns, but also because FPSs are just downright fun. As far as political figures and FPSs go, you'd certainly have to watch out for Dick "Head Shot" Cheney (yeah, that joke would've been funnier two years ago).
Glad you're back, Tina.