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JR Hoeft

Conservative to the core; liberal with his opinion! J.R. has been involved in politics for over a decade and has worked on several campaigns in Hampton Roads. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Chesapeake and the Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia. He is also the director of “Blogs United” in Virginia. E-mail J.R.. Follow J.R. on Twitter.

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One Response to "Spruill has contacts all over the state"

1. 

   J. Tyler Ballance July 18, 2008 13:20 pm

   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.