Dont wanna be "An American Idiot"

I've worked with many politicians over the years, even the last presidential election.  I thought I was an average informed citizen back then.  I watched the commercials, read the papers, listened to speeches and made my decision at the polls.  When I was unsure, I voted my party plain and simple.

Recently I've been politially checked in.  I've also been lucky enough to get to know candidates on a more personal level.  The nasty view the public gets from the media, is just sad.  Really really sad.  The information we recieve as voters isnt about the truth, its about selling a story.  The fight between candidates is just nasty, the mud slinging and the smear campaigns are seriously engorged.

I tell ya, its part of what is wrong with America.  Our founding fathers didn't mean for political service to be a career.  They meant it to be just that a service, not a lifetime of government.  I don't know, it bugs me.
How's the race in your neck of the woods?