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bigben2k: I just got the car. I do have a heavy keychain, but here the problem is electrical, and the switch is at least 4 inches away from the key, when inserted.
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If you just got the car, then it probably wasn't you, more likely the P.O....
However the symptom you describe is typical... The mechanical part of the switch gets torqued by the heavy keys, which in turn torques the electrical bits, and makes them wear (and possibly over heat, which burns the contacts, which makes the problem worse and accelerates the electrical wear) until the switch gets increasingly intermittent. So it is an electrical problem caused by mechanical stress.
A couple of other thoughts...
1. You may be able to pick up a new switch at a good auto store (i.e. NAPA), depends on the car, but they do carry them for some cars. If you have one of the steering colum switches they often sell just the electrical switch module part, so you don't have to worry about getting a different key. This might be easier than doing the salvage yard route, especially for a colum switch.
2. See if you can find a wiring diagram for your car and it's switch, then see if you can find an alternative replacement. This is more likely to work on a car with a dashboard switch...
(3rd alternative, are your state's inspection stations run by the state, or do you go to a local gas station? Here in MA it is known that there exist certain stations that have a two tier price plan - you can pay one price and get your car inspected, or pay a higher price and get an inspection sticker
Good luck,
Gooserider