subs. (American political).—A veiled form of political treachery: a State Governor is to be elected, and at the same election, say, Presidential electors; the one party agree with their political enemies that, in return for votes for their own candidate for Governor, they will vote and procure votes for the others’ candidate for President. The practice is susceptible of numerous combinations and devices (WALSH). Whence TRADING POLITICIAN = a corrupt, venal elector or candidate; one who is regulated by interest rather than principle.
1839–43. BROUGHAM, Historical Sketches, ‘Mr. Canning.’ The common herd of TRADING POLITICIANS.
