George,

I first heard about street money in our own elections in Charlottesville and in the 5th District. The "tradition", as it was explained to me, came from a time when most black precinct workers had to take time from work to "work the polls and deliver the vote". Since most were hourly workers, they lost pay. To make up for the lost pay, candidates paid these workers.

This practice was and is full of abuse with much of the money staying in the hands of a few.

It borders on extortion and I believe this "tradition" should end.

Donna Goings (Electronic mail, April 11, 2008)