"Patronage positions" refer to job positions that are filled based on personal connections, favoritism, or political affiliation rather than qualifications or merit. Full definition
Their interactions soon became flirtatious, she said in the complaint, but also intimidating, as Mr. Hoyt, 55, claimed that he was close to the governor and «was in charge of patronage positions in New York State.» (nytimes.com)
We like his warning that people in patronage positions might be reassigned and his promise to institute a culture change — give eight hours of pay for eight hours of work and make assignments, promotions and overtime based on merit. (newsday.com)
Normally, the parties pick someone loyal, so that commissioner can hire other party loyalists for patronage positions, according to numerous sources. (queenscampaigner.com)