The biggest campaign problem is the dominance of government by a permanent political class. House members enjoy a re-election rate of roughly 98 percent. Senate re-election rates have averaged 90 percent over the last two decades. Congressional staff positions offer equivalent job security. The longer legislators stay in office, the more they vote to spend.
Solutions are hard to come by.
Eliminating the advantages of incumbency are one, but politicians would sooner commit ritual suicide. Term limits are another, but Republicans and Democrats alike resist this step to the death. Ensuring that challengers have an opportunity to raise sufficient campaign funds is another. Issue ads, which criticize positions taken by candidates or their parties, generally aid challengers since incumbents have greater media access. In any case, tinkering with campaign rules only changes the relative balance of power.