There's a new dealer in town: George W. Bush. His minions are in the battleground states, handing out money like candy in a last ditch attempt to sway voters. Examples: Ohio, Washington and Oregon:

Just before voters went to the polls, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman headed to Ohio Monday to hand out federal money that she said shows her boss "is committed to assisting small businesses in rural America."

Interior Secretary Gale Norton on Monday praised President Bush's "enthusiastic leadership" while announcing he had signed into law the new Lewis & Clark National Historical Park in Washington and Oregon - two battleground states leaning Democratic Sen. John Kerry's way.

They were the latest examples of Bush's use of his Cabinet and taxpayer-funded largess based on Congress' choices to help try to swing the election.

Just another day of using the perks of his office to sway the voters.

They were the latest examples of Bush's use of his Cabinet and taxpayer-funded largess based on Congress' choices to help try to swing the election....From spending for local schools to disaster relief, the announcements by Bush's Cabinet secretaries and White House staff have come largely in swing states and with key interest groups.