Is it November 8 yet?

I've just wanted to hide under the covers until this current political season is over. While I enjoy the freedom we have to exercise the democratic process, this year has been overkill as the two parties fight for control. And it seems that no matter where you turn, you're getting bombarded with political adds. Television has been a non-stop parade of ads, although it's mostly been about three things: Claire McCaskill vs. Jim Talent, Admendment 2 and Admendment 3 (for those outside Missouri, McCaskill/Talent is a Senate race, Admendment 2 is stem cell research and Admendment 3 is a cigarette tax). The McCaskill/Talent race has gotten ugly at times (who am I kidding, most of the time) as they spend their ad space telling us what the other candidate isn't doing in their current position instead of telling us what they're actually going to do if elected.
Of course, the adds don't stop there. On Saturday, we received four(!) political mailings, although it was really two sets of the same mailings. And the barrage has also occurred on the phone as I now live in fear of phone calls. Thank goodness I don't listen to the radio, because I'm sure it's there as well.
But the big question is, do these ads really help? I can't see a Republican voting for a Democrat, or vice versa, simply based on these ads. And while they may be targeting the undecided, how many people really are undecided? I've had a clear picture of who I'm going to vote for some time ago and these ads aren't going to sway me. Do people say they're undecided as a way to taunt the pollsters? Is an attack ad that is void of facts really going to change your mind?
What we really need are ads for the lesser known races, like some of the propositions or judges. These are races/decisions that are important to a community but get lost in the shuffle of the bigger races. Or better yet, how about taking that money from political advertising and use it to help people. I'm sure it wouldn't be difficult to compile a list of charitable organizations, government programs, etc. that could use the money. And even though I work in an industry that relies on political ads, what's wrong with politicians actually giving back to the community.
So until November 7, I'll turn off my television, won't answer the phone and stay away from the mailbox. And as far as the McCaskill/Talent race is concerned, I'm just going to vote "No."