The grind of political-speak

I enjoy politics as much as the next guy. Heck, truth is, I probably pay closer attention to the political arena than most. Thus is the nature of this profession.

But right now -- for some unknown reason -- I am not at all interested in reading or listening to the political battle brewing between Congressman Roy Blunt and Secretary of State Robin Carnahan. Odds are these two will likely face each other next year in the battle to replace retiring Sen. Kit Bond.

Both of these hopefuls are probably fine people, though Carnahan's resume is a tad bit thin to seek a Senate seat. Blunt is a seasoned veteran of Washington politics, which may bode well for his prospects. Of course, Washington experience is not always viewed with enthusiasm.

I suspect I am less than enthused because I still suffer from post-election fatigue from the November presidential race. We barely mark an administration's first 100 days and then talk turns to the next political cycle. Enough already!

It appears likely that Blunt will face at least one challenger, if not two, in this race. But already his people have lined up endorsements from every high-profile Republican in the state. Our own U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson is the latest name of prominence to join the Blunt bandwagon.

Keep in mind that today is mid-May of 2009 -- a full 18 months before the next election -- and Blunt/Carnahan are "debating" the merits of releasing prisoners from Guantanamo Bay. Ask the average Joe on the street if he cares what Carnahan's position is on this topic at this time. I'll bet money on his response.

Knowing a little about politics, I understand the need to begin this political dialogue so early in a race. Poor word choices now produce volumes of campaign fodder down the road. That much I understand. I still don't care.

What's truly sad is that these two political families from Missouri must immediately begin the process of fundraising to assure high name recognition and political power a full year from now. We voters are to blame, not the politicians.

I would savor looking ahead to a summer without the daily grind of political-speak that saturates our lives. But alas, that is not in the cards.

And we wonder why the public has a weak appetite for the political process in this country?