I have come to some conclusions comparing this presidential election campaign to the previous 12 I have seen in my lifetime. The whole process has become entirely too long and cumbersome. The time being wasted on seemingly endless rallies, debates, surveys and media exposure could be better spent solving some of our country's numerous important problems.

It takes far too much money to run for president (or any other elected office, for that matter). A person has to be more than just wealthy to run for office. They have to be exceptionally wealthy with a lot of rich friends, too. There are way too many "endorsements." I don't care who Oprah or the governor is voting for. I can judge for myself who I want to vote for.

Finally, perhaps all the "experts" who claim to know who will win and how -- many months before the first vote is counted -- might be better employed doing something useful (like picking up litter in national parks) rather than boring us with their long-winded analyses.

PETER S. ALLENBY
Munhall

I am soooo glad the primary is over. Maybe now I can get some sleep, or eat a meal, or not have a clogged answering machine.

The relentless, unceasing telephone calls have been unbelievable. I must have gotten at least 10 calls Tuesday, plus two people pounded at my front door.

And of course there were the calls earlier this week, and last week, and the week before, etc., etc., etc.

God help the voters of the states that have yet to hold their primaries!

SALLY CECIL
North Point Breeze

On the April 18 "Washington Week in Review" television program, Post-Gazette Executive Editor David M. Shribman stated (and here I'm paraphrasing) that the editorial board had had a chance to meet with the candidates and was impressed with their range of knowledge. He felt that the American people were fortunate to have such capable people vying to represent us.

I was struck by the civility and generosity of Mr. Shribman's statements. This view has been all too lacking in so much of the commentary on the campaigns and restored my perspective on all the candidates.

In the heat of the moment, we Democrats seem to have forgotten why we have primaries and how close we are. Would that we had heard more of this gentleman's sort of view.

MARSHA ANDERSON
Evanston, Ill.