Spruill has contacts all over the state
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Published July 18th, 2008
In defending his $7500 consulting salary from Del. Brian Moran (D-Alexandria), candidate for governor, the “retired” Del. Lionell Spruill (D-Chesapeake) reiterated time and time again to Tim Craig of the Washington Post that he has “contacts.” Apparently, in his mind, he is the “man behind the curtain” for Democrats in Virginia.
When I lived in Hampton back in 1997, it was fairly well known that in order to get the “black vote” politicians had to grease the palms of local “leaders” in the black community, especially the local preachers. As the story goes, these preachers would dole out what was referred to as “walking around money” to persuade their congregates to go to the polls and vote. Back then, the going rate was said to be $20.00 per vote.
I am not sure if this was one of those urban legends, but it surely is a story that has been re-told many times over the past several decades.
While one could be repulsed about the idea that these politicians are “buying votes,” over time, I have decided that the practice is not very much different from the patronage promises that are already made to key supporters. In addition, such incentives to vote do not necessarily buy the loyalty of the voter, but it does get them to the polls.
I have proposed that we have an election day lottery (where voters who go to the polls would receive a chance to win a million dollars) to achieve the same effect of getting people to get out and vote.
Perhaps we all should get $20 (or more!) from each candidate instead of being bombarded with all of those inane TV spots that say nothing, but just hurl mud at opponents. I would rather have the twenty bucks. I guess Spruill and his people feel the same way.