walking around money

Definition

Cash distributed to campaign workers and volunteers on election day for 'expenses,' in a definitely-not-vote-buying arrangement that's been sketchy since before anyone pretended otherwise. It's how grassroots organizing meets questionable campaign finance in dark alleys.

Example Usage

The campaign distributed walking around money to precinct captains, ostensibly for gas and meals but everyone knew it was really to ensure turnout.

Origin

From old-school urban political machines, particularly prominent in Philadelphia and other cities with 'machine' politics traditions

Fun Fact

The practice persists despite campaign finance laws because cash leaves no paper trail and everyone involved has selective amnesia.

Source: Campaign finance terminology

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allotment

The bureaucratic act of dividing resources into portions and distributing them, usually with all the efficiency of the DMV. It's what happens when someone in authority decides who gets what slice of the pie, whether it's budget, land, or parking spaces. In the military and government, it's the specific amount of money granted for a particular purpose, because apparently 'budget' wasn't jargony enough.

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faction

A subgroup within a political party united by specific ideology, interests, or goals, often causing internal headaches for leadership. Think of them as party-within-a-party book clubs, except they vote as a bloc.

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bully pulpit

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floor action

Activity that occurs when legislation is being debated and voted on by the full chamber, as opposed to committee work. When lawmakers finally have to show up and go on record instead of hiding behind committee proceedings.

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Checks and Balances

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rotating villain

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