I vaguely knew this occurred, but it’s really become a big issue in Philadelphia, where it is traditional for big campaigns to spread a large amount of money out to local leaders who then ostensibly give it out to “volunteers” on election day.

What’s all this talk about walking-around money? And, more important, where’s mine?

First, the Los Angeles Times reports that the Barack Obama campaign says it won’t pass out street cash for primary day, and Philadelphia ward leaders warn that their foot soldiers could defect to Hillary Rodham Clinton. The story is picked up nationwide.

Then the Clinton people say they, too, aren’t reaching into their wallets. To every reporter who will listen, and there are many, ward leaders and committee people use this as an occasion to ask for money. They’re not dumb.

But I’m confused. This is a presidential primary. When have there ever been wheelbarrows of street money to get out the vote for a presidential primary? The national media were looking for another of those Throwing Snowballs at Santa stories. And in the process, Philadelphia pols managed to get their pictures taken sticking their hands out.