Apparently, but not quite what you think.
Jason Smith, of Generation WHY? [1] who is guest blogging at Blogs For Bush [1]has noted a very interesting trend.
2000
George W. Bush – government before Presidential campaign – 4 years
Al Gore – government before Presidential campaign – 22 years
1996
Bill Clinton – government before Presidential campaign – 17 years
Bob Dole – government before Presidential campaign – 35 years
1992
Bill Clinton – government before Presidential campaign – 13 years
George Bush – government before Presidential campaign – 25 years
1988
George Bush – government before Presidential campaign – 21 years
Michael Dukakis – government before Presidential campaign – 27 years
1984
Ronald Reagan – government before Presidential campaign – 17 years
Walter Mondale – government before Presidential campaign – 21 years
1980
Ronald Reagan – government before Presidential campaign – 13 years
Jimmy Carter – government before Presidential campaign – 17 years
Oh, and as for this race….
2004
George W. Bush – 8 years in politics (3 in Washington)
John Kerry – 21 years (19 in Washington)