Here is your parts breakdown
Replacement parts for MAYTAG DE7500 Dryer - Ele | AppliancePartsPros.com

Here is a service manual
http://www.servicematters.com/maytag_library/docs/16000132.pdf

First you have to determine what exactly is causing long dry times.

Undo the dryer from the exhaust
Run a load
If the load dries correctly then you have a vent problem.
Clean/check the vent system. Make sure the outside louvers open fully.

If you do not want lint in the house.
Take a pair of pantyhose, put one leg into the other and attach this to the dryer exhaust.
Leave enough room behind the dryer so it can blow out like a windsock.
Run a load.

Both the above will allow you to check the air flow and temp.
Also the above is NOT recommended for a gas dryer due to possible carbon monoxide problems

[COLOR="Blue"]Was this a good test to run without having a load in the dryer?[/COLOR]
It would be better to test with a load as you may have already fixed the problem re: the lint. The unit may not necessarily get hotter, if the heater and thermostats are OK then it will regulate the heat but low air flow will cause long dry times.

[COLOR="Blue"]If so, then it seems that maybe the heating element is bad?[/COLOR]
This can be checked with meter.

Unplug the unit and both wires to the coil.
Check it with a meter, should be around 10 to12 ohms.
Then check from each side of the coil to the case/frame, both should be infinite ohms (open). If not the coil may have sagged or broken and is touching the case.