[karaterobot]

People generally vote for the incumbent if they happen to claim the same party affiliation. They complain for 4-6 years, then when it comes to what box they tick on the ballot, all of that is out the window. The lure of an incumbent is that they might have acquired enough markers and enough seats on various committees to help the state, when it often seems the reality is that they've probably just acquired more lobbyist friends and more incentive to stay in office no matter what. Sure, they may be corrupt and incompetent, but they've got so much influence!

[Onawa]

The joys of the "first past the post" election system. Take your choice of a shit sandwich, or a shit sandwich with pickles. Heaven forbid we actually update our voting system to break up the inevitable 2-party outcome.

[chiefalchemist]

Heaven might not forbid, but the two ruling parties certainly do. Breaking out of the status quo would crush their cartel, end their monopoly. They don't want to do that. The cycle continues.