The race for the 2008 presidential election promises to be a long, mud-spattered haul. The early start and crowded gate means candidates will have to raise tens of millions of dollars this year alone just to lift their heads above the hurtling pack.

Are Americans ready for 22 months of campaign jockeying? We asked readers recently if the long contest would benefit the country, or if the intense competition for face time and money is too much, too soon.

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