Both parties are full of **** IMO.
Charlie, that is because for many years, most of us never bothered to get involved with current events, other than sports, TV, and movies. The "Tea Party" movement, good or bad, is a result of some finally deciding to get involved. We don't have to elect "unknowns" to office. Get involved. Read ALL the news, talk to people that seem to know, and go to the events the "hopefuls" host and ask questions. Contact your current reps and sens and let them know your concerns, but be willing to actually listen to them also. They may be right about some of their stands.
Party politics (both sides) have become nothing more than a team sport, but it is the system we have, so it is up to us to force the change. It can be done....it is being done. It has taken us several decades to get into the condition we are currently in, and we cannot correct it quickly, but this country is still the best in the world, and deserves the efforts of those of us willing to help guide our nation into the future.
Don't give up, get involved!