I seem to recall having run across a monopod
where you press one button and it goes from
all the way collapsed to all the way extended.
Anyone know of a monopod like this, where
pressing one release switch will extend it fully out?
I'm trying to find something that's fast acting
for run and gun, rather than one where you have
to tighten 3 or 4 sections separately.

Is this what you are looking for?

Bogen 3245 / Manfrotto 334B Automatic ('Quick Drop') Monopod
"A 3-section monopod, the 3245 extends quickly and has a bottom level adjustment as well. The upper section features a grip-action release that allows the top section to be adjusted 19" up or down automatically by squeezing and releasing the grip-action handle. Perfect for quick-action shots with minimal setup time."

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5523&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Here's another possiblity - the Slik EZ Pod

http://www.thkphoto.com/products/slik/slik-13-2.html