WAM Mug

Walking Around Money. Originally and still today political jargon for the cash given to party operatives on or near election day to be spent (1) transporting or luring voters to the polls, or (2) doing small favors for voters, such as buying them drinks, to make them feel obligated. This usage has been extended to include anyone's pocket money, to be used for virtually any purpose. Also, money given to Pennsylvania General Assembly members for projects in their districts, doled out by legislative leaders to good soldiers as they campaigned for reelection. WAMs were Pennsylvania sleaze at its greasiest: secretive, stinking of cronyism, far removed from the very people whose cash was being spent.