Why does election cycle run so long?

I'm not sure whose brilliant idea it was to extend the election cycle to a ridiculous point, but I strongly suspect it was the media, since they are mainly the ones to gain financially from this idea.

Our representatives are elected every two years, president every four years and senators every six years. At the rate things are going, as soon as a person gets elected, they start working on their re-election campaign.

No wonder we have a totally nonfunctional Congress that is incapable of addressing any issues or getting anything done. They are all too busy raising money and getting re-elected.

And has anyone considered where the candidates are getting the millions they are spending for a job that pays far less? Surely not from us common people they are supposed to represent.

Our inept representatives are far more interested in the special interest groups that provide them the funds to get elected than the interests of the common people that elected them.

If you doubt what I'm saying, just write a letter to members of Congress on a serious issue that is important to you and see what response you get. If anything, you may be lucky to get a form letter.

Daryl Pratt

Arlington Heights