Poker Rights

The Poker Players Alliance at CPAC

2009-03-01T17:25:00.023-05:00

The Poker Players Alliance participated at this year's Conservative Political Action Conference. I went to D.C. to pitch in. I -- with the help of some great editing from some fellow poker players -- wrote up a handout on why conservatives should wish to protect poker rights. We shared boxes of these handouts with the conference attendees:

Ante Up for Your Rights

The Conservative Case for Protecting Poker

Ante Up for…Limited government

Many conservatives believe the federal government should not be in the business of preventing adults from playing a game of poker at a time and place of their choosing. These include former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, George Will, Walter Williams, and Grover Norquist, all of whom have written in opposition to prohibitions on poker.
Conservatives believe “the government that governs best governs least.” Poker is a great American pastime that has been enjoyed by U.S. soldiers, presidents, world leaders, and everyday Americans. It is simply wrong that Americans are being told they are criminals for enjoying the great game of poker.
The new law unfairly discriminates against poker giving special protections to activities such as intrastate gaming, on-line lotteries, betting on horse racing, and fantasy sports for cash.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) requires banks and credit card companies to police the Internet and the financial system to stop Americans from participating in “unlawful Internet gambling” – a requirement the government could not even define. U.S. licensing and regulation removes this burden from America’s financial services industry. It’s time to stop treating banks and credit card companies like agencies of the federal government.

Ante Up for…Personal Responsibility

Only through meaningful regulation, not prohibition, can we ensure fairness of the game, provide protections for children, and provide services for problem gamblers. And if taxed, significant revenue could be raised for federal and state governments without increasing taxes on citizens.
U.S. licensing and regulation will mandate verification of the ages of the participants. Sites comply voluntarily now, but regulation will give U.S. laws the teeth needed for enforcement. It will also provide protections for those with excessive gaming habits, including mandated use of self-exclusion lists.
Licensing and regulation will provide for consumer protections while stimulating the American economy and generating tax revenue and licensing fees.

Ante Up for…Internet Freedom

Internet censorship and an unenforceable, unpopular prohibition provide no benefits to anyone. All censorship and prohibition can do is drive players underground or overseas while bringing the power of the federal government into America’s homes, where it doesn’t belong.
Many voters – free speech advocates, young voters, and conservatives in particular – are suspicious of arguments contending that Internet freedom is dangerous and banning certain online activities or confiscating virtual property.
U.S. licensing and regulation of online poker will allow American companies to participate in the world’s Internet gaming market, bringing needed business and jobs to America. All a prohibition can do is send U.S. jobs and money abroad.
Regulators, legislators and financial institutions are all warning that UIGEA is unenforceable. With banks now needing to rebuild themselves, it is difficult to imagine the banking system being used to police the Internet to stop a legitimate game of skill like poker.

The Legal Community Agrees:

Poker is a Game of Skill, Not Chance

Poker’s Recent Key Legal Victories

Colorado – in late January a Colorado jury found an organizer of a poker league, Kevin P. Raley, not guilty of unlawful gaming. Under Colorado law, gambling is defined as wagering on a game of chance. With help of expert testimony from the PPA, the jury found the poker league was playing a game of skill, not chance, and was not participating in unlawful gaming.

Pennsylvania – Earlier this year Judge Thomas James, Jr. ruled that poker is predominantly a game of skill. The Pennsylvania court took the next step and threw out 20 charges against the defendants, who held a poker game in their home.

Kentucky – a judge in Kentucky, with the support of the Commonwealth’s Democratic Governor, Steve Beshear, ordered the seizure of numerous Internet domain names related to Internet gaming. Of the over 141 websites ordered for seizure, not one was located in the state of Kentucky. This action would result in a precedent allowing any government to capture and shut down perfectly legal Internet sites that are based outside of their jurisdiction. The Kentucky Court of Appeals overturned the lower court’s ruling to seize the domain names. However, the governor has appealed to the Kentucky Supreme Court.

South Carolina – A South Carolina judge found that poker is indeed a game of skill, not chance, during a trial where defendants were charged with playing cards in a “house used as a place of gaming”. PPA argued that the Court should adopt the rulings of other courts that gambling refers to a game in which the outcome is determined predominantly by chance, not by skill. The judge agreed and kicked it to a higher court.

PPA’s Litigation Support Network has been involved in each of these cases. We provided expert witnesses, prepared arguments for trial, and filed amicus briefs with the courts.

The Problem with “Midnight Rulemaking”

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was included on a port security bill that was rushed through Congress before the 2006 election. In the waning days of the Bush Administration, the rule pertaining to this law was implemented in a way that many consider an unlawful power play.
The regulation deputizes banks and payment systems to block “unlawful Internet gambling” but does not define what that term means. Rather, the general counsel of every bank in the country must research what “unlawful Internet gambling” means in each state and on the federal level.
The Office of Management and Budget has estimated that the rule will cost more than $100 million for banks and payment systems to implement, and take more than one million man-hours.
The rule is not set to go into effect until December of this year. Congress is currently looking at whether this rule, and others like it, should be overturned.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pictures From the Trip

John Pappas, professional poker player and PPA Board Member Greg Raymer, and me strategizing for CPAC
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Me, Ralph Reed (formerly of the Christian Coalition), Greg Raymer, Grover Norquist (head of Americans for Tax Reform), and PPA Executive Director John Pappas

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Greg Raymer diligently signing autographs as folks in line wait for their turn
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I met with my Congressman's staffer (my Congressman is Geoff Davis, R-KY) while in D.C. It went well in terms of discussion, though I don't imagine he'll ever support us.

Note the CPAC-friendly tie :

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

CPAC went well. Nothing but positive feedback from conference attendees:

I stopped by the Campaign for Liberty booth and participated in a game of skill -- a dart toss at balloons. I won a pocket Constitution signed by Ron Paul. My wife won one as well:

Dr. Paul stopped by the booth later to sign autographs. He was very popular among the CPAC crowd. Hopefully that's a harbinger for a more limited government future for the GOP:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some Articles on PPA at CPAC

Here's a very nice Washington Times article on PPA at CPAC.

It hit the front page of Digg, at http://digg.com/politics/Poker...conservatives:

A winning hand with conservatives?
Poker industry woos CPAC

Kara Rowland
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Friday, February 27, 2009

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/...conservatives/

The poker industry played a game of chance Thursday when venturing into the backyard of some of its harshest critics - conservatives - to fend off the assault on their "sport."

Stressing that poker is a game of skill, like golf, and not chance, like roulette, slots or other forms of gambling, the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) set up a table at the Conservative Political Action Conference to lobby against local, state and federal encroachments on both online and offline versions of the card game.

"I don't want the government telling me what to do unless I'm hurting you," said 2004 World Series of Poker champion Greg "Fossilman" Raymer. "The only issue is going to be protecting children. I don't believe that adults should be protected from themselves by the government; that's what your family's supposed to do."....

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good article in Bluff Magazine, at http://news.bluffmagazine.com/ppa-ta...ac-in-dc-2551/ :

Many in the poker community wonder aloud what the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) does when it’s not handing out information at the World Series of Poker or fighting the Kentucky governor’s efforts to seize online poker domain names. With over one million dues-paying members, it’s not an unreasonable question, though all one has to do is look on Capitol Hill or wherever government officials congregate to see PPA representatives hard at work forging alliances and pushing for pro-poker legislation.

The PPA’s latest efforts were concentrated on some of the staunchest opponents of the organization’s goals. The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) began at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, February 26 with some of the most influential names in the conservative movement on the speaking agenda, such as John Bolton, Mike Huckabee, RNC Chairman Michael Steele, Tucker Carlson and Joe Scarborough, Bay and Pat Buchanan, and Joe the Plumber. And as the three-day conference got underway, the PPA made its presence known with a table at CPAC....

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheEngineer2008

PPA Members Scoring Victories Across the Country!

2009-02-11T09:09:00.000-05:00

Only six weeks into the New Year and your Poker Players Alliance (PPA) already has an unparalleled record of success in Washington D.C. and throughout the country. For these successes to continue, we need you to renew your membership TODAY! Right now is a great time to renew your 2009 Premium membership or to become first-time dues paying member of America’s number one grassroots advocacy group:

Join or renew your membership by clicking here

Already a 2009 Premium Member? Click here to donate to the fight.

PPA has been very active on Capitol Hill. We are in discussions with leading House and Senate lawmakers about reintroduction of pro-Internet poker legislation similar to that introduced in the previous Congress. We have also been extremely busy meeting with the flock of "Freshman" members of Congress to educate them about your issues. As you know, we have a new president and a new Congress, and poker players have a new opportunity to make their voices heard.

PLEASE CLICK BELOW TO TELL PRESIDENT OBAMA AND CONGRESS TO SUPPORT YOUR RIGHTS. IT TAKES JUST 60 SECONDS:

Here are some of poker’s 2009 successes at the state level:

1) Kentucky – On January 20th, the Kentucky Court of Appeals reversed a lower court [click here to read] order authorizing the Commonwealth to seize 141 Internet gambling domain names – including the most popular online poker sites you play on today – with the effect of turning these sites dark worldwide. The PPA and its legal team were deeply involved in the appeal. We recruited support from a coalition of pro-Internet freedom organizations to join in our fight at the appellate court. While we won this round, the Commonwealth seems intent on prolonging their inevitable defeat and has appealed our victory to the Kentucky Supreme Court. With your continued support, the PPA can continue to wage this legal battle. Go here to get the latest information.

2) Pennsylvania – On January 14, Judge Thomas James in Columbia County, PA dismissed illegal gambling charges against a man and his girlfriend who were organizing Texas Hold’em tournaments. The Judge James issued a strong opinion [click here to read] that poker is a "game of skill," and therefore not illegal gambling, to back up his dismissal. This legal victory will not go unchallenged, though. Just last week the PA Commonwealth filed notice to appeal the decision. The PPA has quickly leapt into action to provide assistance to the defendants in the appeal. We have assembled a top-notch team through our existing Litigation Support Network, which will argue before the appeals court that poker is indeed a game of skill.

3) Colorado – On January 23, a jury found a PPA member who was charged with illegal gambling for organizing a poker league "not guilty." [click here to read] The PPA, again through its Litigation Support Network, provided legal guidance and supplied expert witness testimony for the trial. The jury’s not guilty verdict was due in large part by our witnesses’ testimony arguing that skill predominates over chance in poker. This legal win will serve as a road map to other successful poker arguments before juries and judges in the future.

4) Virginia – On January 2, the full Senate Courts of Justice Committee considered S999 [click here to read] a bill which would have reclassified gambling in the state to an activity with "any element of chance" rendering participation in these activities for consideration illegal. If passed this would have amounted to one of the broadest definition of gambling in the nation, not only sweeping in poker, but even games like chess and bridge and even golf or NASCAR racing. Fortunately, the PPA acted quickly. Our Virginia members flooded local lawmakers with calls and e-mails and thanks to our VA State Director Jeff Gregson who took to the halls of the Senate and lobbied for a NO vote on the bill. The combination of a coordinated effort between our State Director, members on the ground and our national headquarters was extremely effective. The state Senate Courts of Justice Committee unanimously voted to essentially kill the bill.

5) Massachusetts – On Feb 2, the PPA learned that bill HR 3954 was introduced [click here to read] in the Massachusetts State Assembly that authorizes casinos in the state but at the same time makes playing poker on the Internet a crime, punishable by two years in prison and a $25,000.00 fine. The PPA wasted no time; within 12 hours the PPA sent a blast e-mail to our MA membership to urge them to call the lead sponsors of the bill. No more than 5 hours after our email was sent, the state Reps who authored the legislation committed to remove the provision. They also personally apologized to our PPA members who expressed their concerns with how the bill was drafted. This episode underscores the effectiveness of writing and calling your lawmakers. The casino issue in MA is likely to reemerge and you can rest assured that your PPA will be ready to fight with you to ensure that your poker rights are protected.

Victor Ramdin, Andy Bloch, Rep. Ron Paul, Howard Lederer, Chris Ferguson, and me

Let's tell Obama that we want online poker rights in America

2009-01-14T18:38:00.000-05:00

President-elect Obama has asked the American people for input. He wants us to tell him what we would like to see him do over the next four years. To facilitate this, the Obama transition team set up an area of their website for input.

To tell President-elect Obama that you want your right to play online poker in a safe and legal environment respected and protected, please follow the simple instructions below.

Together, we can all let Obama know that we demand our rights!

1. Go to: http://citizensbriefingbook.change.gov/

2. Create an account (if you do not already have one)

3. After you complete your account you will be redirected to the front page. Now type “UIGEA” into the search box and click “Search”

or go to this link: http://snipurl.com/ppachange

4. Click the title “Boost America’s Economy with Legal Online Poker”

5. Click the “Up Arrow” to vote and add a comment on the bottom of the page:

Forward your friends this email or send them this link: http://snipurl.com/ppavote

2008-11-13T20:46:00.000-05:00

Despite the best efforts of the poker community, the opposition of the banks, and the recent news exposing inappropriate influence by the White House, the Bush administration chose to submit its incomplete Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) regulations. Just as UIGEA was sneaked into legislation in the dark of night in 2006, we are again confronted with an 11th hour effort.

These regulations are to be made effective on January 19th, the day before President-elect Obama takes office. A copy of the final UIGEA rules and the Poker Players Alliance's response can be found on the PPA web site. Let’s all expose and stop this reckless rulemaking.

Freedom lovers everywhere are outraged over this last-minute “midnight rulemaking.” Here are four things we can all do to stand up for Internet freedom and our personal liberty:

1.) Write to President-elect Barack Obama

Barack Obama has a new comment site. Let’s all post polite, professionally worded comments on this issue. Some points to consider sharing:

The Bush administration's last minute, incomplete UIGEA regulations are reckless in that they place unreasonable requirements on our nation’s imperiled financial services industry. Bush was careless in forcing them on the country in his 11th hour. Obama should introduce legislation to overturn these regulations.
These UIGEA regulations set a dangerous precedent for broader censorship of the Internet by the federal government.
The Washington Post reported that William Wichterman, a recent lobbyist for the National Football League who now works at the White House, played a controversial role in the Bush administration's last-minute effort to implement the UIGEA regulations. His lobbying firm made $2.8 million for his efforts against our freedoms!
Banks should not be forced by the federal government to act as law enforcement entities.
Poker is a game of skill where players compete against each other. There is no “house” profiting from losing players like in casino games of chance.
Obama should support licensing and regulation of online poker. Congressman Robert Wexler, House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, Senator Robert Menendez, and others have sponsored bills that do just that. Their bills provide protections for participants with excessive gaming habits. Bush's UIGEA regulations offer these people nothing.

2.) Write to the GOP

The GOP has a new comment site. Let’s all post polite, professionally worded comments on this issue there as well. Some points to consider sharing:

Federal Internet censorship is not a limited government position, nor is the idea that Americans need the government to protect them from themselves.
Banks should not be forced by the federal government to act as law enforcement entities.
UIGEA is reckless in that it places unreasonable requirements on our nation’s imperiled financial services industry.
Poker is a game of skill where players compete against each other. There is no “house” profiting from losing players as in casino games of chance.
The GOP should support licensing and regulation of online poker. Bills currently in Congress provide protections for participants with excessive gaming habits. UIGEA offers these people nothing.
The GOP has had an anti-online poker plank in its last three platforms (2000, 2004, and 2008). As a result, rightly or wrongly most Americans associate the party with UIGEA. This position likely costs the party far more votes than it gains. The GOP can no longer afford to give away votes

3.) Write to Congress

Let’s all go to the PPA autoletter site to write to Congress. In only 60 seconds, we can tell our Congressmen and Senators exactly what we think of UIGEA!

4.) Forward this to our friends

This isn’t just about poker. It’s about Internet freedom and freedom in general. Every American should care.

2008-11-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Just one week after a historic election the Poker Players Alliance is pitted in a fight to keep anti-Internet poker regulations from being enacted and we NEED YOUR HELP!

The current Administration is hastily finalizing a number of “midnight rules” before they leave office and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is on the list. See the 11/06 story in Dow Jones. Just like UIGEA was snuck into legislation in the dark of night in 2006, our opponents are again trying an 11th hour sneak job. We need you to help us expose and stop this reckless rulemaking.

Please call the U.S. Federal Reserve and tell them not to approve the UIGEA regulations -- Consumer Complaints, 888-851-1920 or Public Affairs, 202-452-2955. And, please write at www.federalreserve.gov/feedback.cfm.

Tell them:

The federal agencies responsible for our nation’s economy should not be focused on Internet poker regulations.
Finalization of the UIGEA rules will add additional burdens on our already crippled financial systems.
Internet poker is a game of skill and form of recreation for millions of Americans; it should be exempted from the UIGEA.
Please do not finalize the UIGEA regulations until their impact on our banking systems and average Americans has been fully studied.

Your call will make a huge difference and will add the public’s voice to these last minute policy decisions our government is poised to make. We can’t stand idly by while they make decisions that will impact our right to play America’s card game. PLEASE CALL TODAY!

2008-11-03T23:42:00.000-05:00

By RICH MUNY, aka "TheEngineer"

The Leach List, named in "honor" of anti-poker extremist former Rep. Jim Leach (R-IA), is comprised of 26 congressmen and four senators opposed to poker rights who are in tough reelection fights this year.

If you want to preserve your liberty, I urge you to contact your congressman to DEMAND your rights. To send a letter in only 60 seconds, or to get contact information to call, visit the Poker Players Alliance's site by clicking here. Or, call the Capitol Hill switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to be connected immediately to your Representative or your Senator.

U.S. House Leach List

(in alphabetical order)

Bachmann, Michele [R-MN]
Rep. Bachmann is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Ratings Guide, as she voted no on the pro-poker H.R. 5767 King Amendment. The DFL (Democratic) nominee is Elwyn Tinklenberg. The Independence Party has endorsed Tinklenberg as well.

Brown, Henry [R-SC]
Rep. Brown is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Linda Ketner is the Democratic nominee.

Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]
Rep. Capito is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as she voted for the anti-poker HR 4411 and cosponsored the anti-poker HR 4777. She also voted no on the H.R. 5767 King Amendment. Her Democratic challenger is Anne Barth, a longtime former aide to U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd.

Chabot, Steven [R-OH]
Rep. Chabot is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. He won by 52% to 48% in 2006, compared to 60% to 40% in 2004. State House Democratic Whip Steve Driehaus is the Democratic nominee.

Dent, Charles [R-PA]
Rep. Dent is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411. Allentown Democratic Party chairwoman Sam Bennett is the Democratic nominee.

Diaz-Balart, Lincoln [R-FL]
Rep. Diaz-Balart is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. He is being challenged for the Republican nomination by Dean Santoro. Well-known former Hialeah Mayor Raul L. Martinez and Richard Allbritton are seeking the Democratic nomination. The primary elections are on August 26, 2008.

Drake, Thelma [R-VA]
Rep. Drake is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as she voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. She won in 2006 by only 51.3% to 48.5%. Diplomat Glenn Nye is the Democratic nominee; the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) named Drake a "targeted Republican".

Feeney, Tom [R-FL]
Rep. Feeney is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. He also voted no on the H.R. 5767 King Amendment. Former State Rep. Suzanne Kosmas is seeking the Democratic nomination, as are 2006 challenger Clint Curtis and Jason Davis. The primary election is on August 26, 2008.

Garrett, Scott [R-NJ]
Rep. Garrett is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and voted no on the H.R. 5767 King Amendment. The Democratic nominee is rabbi Dennis G. Shulman.

Goode, Virgil [R-VA]
Rep. Goode is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Goode is running for re-election against Democrat Tom Perriello.

Hayes, Robin [R-NC]
Rep. Hayes is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Hayes barely hung on in his 2006 re-election bid against Democrat Larry Kissell by a 329-vote margin. They will have a rematch this year; Kissell is the Democratic nominee.

Keller, Ric [R-FL]
Rep. Keller is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Orlando businessman Charlie Stuart, his 2006 opponent, is running for the Democratic nomination, as is former state prosecutor Mike Smith. After the November 2006 election, Keller announced that he would break his 2000 pledge to serve only four terms. Because of this, conservative radio host Todd Long is challenging him in the Republican primary, as is Bob Hering. The primary elections are on August 26, 2008.

Kirk, Mark [R-IL]
Rep. Kirk is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. Kirk survived a surprisingly close race in 2006, winning by 53% to 47%. Kirk will again face his 2006 opponent, Dan Seals, who won the Democratic primary. David Kalbfleisch, the founder of the Arlington Heights chapter of the Green Party, is that party's nominee. Allan Stevo is running as a conservative independent candidate.

Kuhl, Randy [R-NY]
Rep. John R. "Randy" Kuhl, Jr. is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Kuhl survived a tight race in 2006, beating Eric Massa (D) by 52% to 48%. There will be a rematch this year -- Massa is the Democratic nominee.

Latham, Thomas [R-IA]
Rep. Latham is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411. Community and party activist Becky Greenwald is the Democratic nominee.

Lungren, Dan [R-CA]
Rep. Lungren is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Bill Durston is the Democratic nominee.

Musgrave, Marilyn [R-CO]
Rep. Musgrave is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as she voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored Goodlatte's HR 4777. Musgrave is known for her staunch opposition to gay marriage. Betsy Markey is the Democratic nominee. Markey is a businesswoman and the former regional director for U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar.

Reichert, David G. [R-WA]
Rep. Reichert is D rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411. Reichert won a close 51% to 49% re-election bid against Democratic former Microsoft product manager Darcy Burner in 2006. There will be a rematch this year -- Burner is the Democratic nominee. Burner has received nationwide attention for her work on the Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq, and is considered a leader among anti-war Democrats.

Rogers, Michael [R-MI]
Rep. Rogers is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. Lansing Democratic activist Bob Alexander (who lost in 2004 to Rogers) is his party's nominee. Aaron Stuttman is running for the Green Party, Will Tyler White for the Libertarian Party, and George Zimmer for the U.S. Taxpayer Party (known nationally as the Constitution Party).

Roskam, Peter J. [R-IL]
Rep. Roskam is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted no on the H.R. 5767 King Amendment. Jill Morgenthaler, a retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel and Iraq War veteran, is the Democratic nominee.

Schmidt, Jean [R-OH]
Rep. Schmidt is D rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as she voted for HR 4411. Her positions on other social issues indicate a likelihood that she'll oppose us when given the opportunity. Schmidt barely held on by a 51% to 49% margin against Democratic physician Victoria Wulsin in 2006. Her district is a heavily Republican one, but she has never had an easy primary or general election. Wulsin is again the Democratic nominee.

Shadegg, John [R-AZ]
Rep. Shadegg is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. Shadegg announced that he would not be a candidate for reelection. However, ten days later, he announced that he would seek reelection. The Democratic nominee, tax attorney Bob Lord, outraised Shadegg in the first quarter of 2007 and has more cash on hand than Shadegg. Independent candidate Annie Loyd and Libertarian Michael Shoen are also running.

Souder, Mark [R-IN]
Rep. Souder is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. Mike Montagano is the Democratic nominee.

Terry, Lee [R-NE]
Rep. Lee is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. His Democratic opponent is Omaha businessman Jim Esch.

Wolf, Frank [R-VA]
Rep. Wolf is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. The Democratic nominee is Professor of Public Policy at Georgetown University and Dean of their Georgetown Public Policy Institute Judy Feder.

U.S. Senate Leach List

(in alphabetical order)

Dole, Elizabeth [R-NC]
Sen. Dole is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide. She signed Kyl's anti-poker UIGEA comment to the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve opposing our right to play. Kay Hagen is seeking the seat as the Democratic nominee.

Johnson, Tim [D-SD]
Sen. Johnson is F- rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide. He sponsored anti-gaming bill S3006. He also cosponsored Kyl's anti-online gaming bills S474 and S692. Joel Dykstra is seeking the seat as the Republican nominee.

Smith, Gordon H. [R-OR]
Sen. Smith is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide. He signed Kyl's anti-poker UIGEA comment to the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve opposing our right to play. Jeff Merkley is seeking the seat as the Democratic nominee.

Wicker, Roger [R-MS]
Sen. Wicker is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411 and HR 4777 while in the House. Ronnie Musgrove is seeking the seat as the Democratic nominee.

About the author: Rich Muny, an engineer who lives in Union, Ky., is an advocate of Internet poker rights. He is on the board of directors of the Poker Players Alliance.

2008-10-22T16:02:00.000-04:00

U.S. House Leach List

(in alphabetical order)

Brown, Henry [R-SC]
Rep. Brown is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Linda Ketner is the Democratic nominee.

Latham, Thomas [R-IA]
Rep. Latham is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411. Community and party activist Becky Greenwald is the Democratic nominee.

Lungren, Dan [R-CA]
Rep. Lungren is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Bill Durston is the Democratic nominee.

Souder, Mark [R-IN]
Rep. Souder is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. Mike Montagano is the Democratic nominee.

Terry, Lee [R-NE]
Rep. Lee is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. His Democratic opponent is Omaha businessman Jim Esch.

U.S. Senate Leach List

(in alphabetical order)

About the author: Rich Muny, an engineer who lives in Union, Ky., is an advocate of Internet poker rights. He is on the board of directors of the Poker Players Alliance.

2008-10-21T21:15:00.000-04:00

U.S. House Leach List

(in alphabetical order)

Bachmann, Michele [R-MN]
Rep. Bachmann is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide , as she voted no on the pro-poker H.R. 5767 King Amendment. The DFL (Democratic) nominee is Elwyn Tinklenberg. The Independence Party has endorsed Tinklenberg as well.

Brown, Henry [R-SC]
Rep. Brown is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide , as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Linda Ketner is the Democratic nominee.

Latham, Thomas [R-IA]
Rep. Latham is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411. Community and party activist Becky Greenwald is the Democratic nominee.

Lungren, Dan [R-CA]
Rep. Lungren is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Bill Durston is the Democratic nominee.

Souder, Mark [R-IN]
Rep. Souder is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. Mike Montagano is the Democratic nominee.

Terry, Lee [R-NE]
Rep. Lee is F rated in the Poker Players Alliance Congressional Guide, as he voted cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. His Democratic opponent is Omaha businessman Jim Esch.

U.S. Senate Leach List

(in alphabetical order)

About the author: Rich Muny, an engineer who lives in Union, Ky., is an advocate of Internet poker rights. He is on the board of directors of the Poker Players Alliance.

2008-09-11T12:57:00.000-04:00

By RICH MUNY, aka "TheEngineer"

The Leach List, named in "honor" of anti-poker extremist former Rep. Jim Leach (R-IA), is comprised of 24 congressmen and four senators opposed to poker rights who are in tough reelection fights this year. Please see my blog on the Poker Players Alliance website for more information.

If you want to preserve your liberty, I urge you to contact your congressman to DEMAND your rights. To send a letter in only 60 seconds, or to get contact information to call, visit the Poker Players Alliance's site by clicking here. Or, call the Capitol Hill switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to be connected immediately to either your Representative or your Senator.

U.S. House Leach List

(in alphabetical order)

Bachmann, Michele [R-MN]
Rep. Bachmann is F rated in my Congressional guide, as she voted no on the pro-poker H.R. 5767 King Amendment. The DFL (Democratic) nominee is Elwyn Tinklenberg. The Independence Party has endorsed Tinklenberg as well.

Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]
Rep. Capito is F rated in my Congressional guide, as she voted for the anti-poker HR 4411 and cosponsored the anti-poker HR 4777. She also voted no on the H.R. 5767 King Amendment. Her Democratic challenger is Anne Barth, a longtime former aide to U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd.

Chabot, Steven [R-OH]
Rep. Chabot is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. He won by 52% to 48% in 2006, compared to 60% to 40% in 2004. State House Democratic Whip Steve Driehaus is the Democratic nominee.

Dent, Charles [R-PA]
Rep. Dent is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411. Allentown Democratic Party chairwoman Sam Bennett is the Democratic nominee.

Diaz-Balart, Lincoln [R-FL]
Rep. Diaz-Balart is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. He is being challenged for the Republican nomination by Dean Santoro. Well-known former Hialeah Mayor Raul L. Martinez and Richard Allbritton are seeking the Democratic nomination. The primary elections are on August 26, 2008.

Drake, Thelma [R-VA]
Rep. Drake is F rated in my Congressional guide, as she voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. She won in 2006 by only 51.3% to 48.5%. Diplomat Glenn Nye is the Democratic nominee; the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) named Drake a "targeted Republican".

Feeney, Tom [R-FL]
Rep. Feeney is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. He also voted no on the H.R. 5767 King Amendment. Former State Rep. Suzanne Kosmas is seeking the Democratic nomination, as are 2006 challenger Clint Curtis and Jason Davis. The primary election is on August 26, 2008.

Garrett, Scott [R-NJ]
Rep. Garrett is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and voted no on the H.R. 5767 King Amendment. The Democratic nominee is rabbi Dennis G. Shulman.

Goode, Virgil [R-VA]
Rep. Goode is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Goode is running for re-election against Democrat Tom Perriello.

Hayes, Robin [R-NC]
Rep. Hayes is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Hayes barely hung on in his 2006 re-election bid against Democrat Larry Kissell by a 329-vote margin. They will have a rematch this year; Kissell is the Democratic nominee.

Keller, Ric [R-FL]
Rep. Keller is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Orlando businessman Charlie Stuart, his 2006 opponent, is running for the Democratic nomination, as is former state prosecutor Mike Smith. After the November 2006 election, Keller announced that he would break his 2000 pledge to serve only four terms. Because of this, conservative radio host Todd Long is challenging him in the Republican primary, as is Bob Hering. The primary elections are on August 26, 2008.

Kirk, Mark [R-IL]
Rep. Kirk is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. Kirk survived a surprisingly close race in 2006, winning by 53% to 47%. Kirk will again face his 2006 opponent, Dan Seals, who won the Democratic primary. David Kalbfleisch, the founder of the Arlington Heights chapter of the Green Party, is that party's nominee. Allan Stevo is running as a conservative independent candidate.

Kuhl, Randy [R-NY]
Rep. John R. "Randy" Kuhl, Jr. is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Kuhl survived a tight race in 2006, beating Eric Massa (D) by 52% to 48%. There will be a rematch this year -- Massa is the Democratic nominee.

Latham, Thomas [R-IA]
Rep. Latham is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411. Community and party activist Becky Greenwald is the Democratic nominee.

McHenry, Patrick T. [R-NC]
Rep. McHenry is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted no on the H.R. 5767 King Amendment. Navy vet Daniel Johnson is the Democratic nominee. Bryan Greene is the Constitution Party nominee.

Musgrave, Marilyn [R-CO]
Rep. Musgrave is F rated in my Congressional guide, as she voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored Goodlatte's HR 4777. Musgrave is known for her staunch opposition to gay marriage. Betsy Markey is the Democratic nominee. Markey is a businesswoman and the former regional director for U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar.

Reichert, David G. [R-WA]
Rep. Reichert is D rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411. Reichert won a close 51% to 49% re-election bid against Democratic former Microsoft product manager Darcy Burner in 2006. There will be a rematch this year -- Burner is the Democratic nominee. Burner has received nationwide attention for her work on the Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq, and is considered a leader among anti-war Democrats.

Rogers, Michael [R-MI]
Rep. Rogers is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. Lansing Democratic activist Bob Alexander (who lost in 2004 to Rogers) is his party's nominee. Aaron Stuttman is running for the Green Party, Will Tyler White for the Libertarian Party, and George Zimmer for the U.S. Taxpayer Party (known nationally as the Constitution Party).

Roskam, Peter J. [R-IL]
Rep. Roskam is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted no on the H.R. 5767 King Amendment. Jill Morgenthaler, a retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel and Iraq War veteran, is the Democratic nominee.

Schmidt, Jean [R-OH]
Rep. Schmidt is D rated in my Congressional guide, as she voted for HR 4411. Her positions on other social issues indicate a likelihood that she'll oppose us when given the opportunity. Schmidt barely held on by a 51% to 49% margin against Democratic physician Victoria Wulsin in 2006. Her district is a heavily Republican one, but she has never had an easy primary or general election. Wulsin is again the Democratic nominee.

Shadegg, John [R-AZ]
Rep. Shadegg is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. Shadegg announced that he would not be a candidate for reelection. However, ten days later, he announced that he would seek reelection. The Democratic nominee, tax attorney Bob Lord, outraised Shadegg in the first quarter of 2007 and has more cash on hand than Shadegg. Independent candidate Annie Loyd and Libertarian Michael Shoen are also running.

Souder, Mark [R-IN]
Rep. Souder is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. Mike Montagano is the Democratic nominee.

Terry, Lee [R-NE]
Rep. Lee is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. His Democratic opponent is Omaha businessman Jim Esch.

Wolf, Frank [R-VA]
Rep. Wolf is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. The Democratic nominee is Professor of Public Policy at Georgetown University and Dean of their Georgetown Public Policy Institute Judy Feder.

U.S. Senate Leach List

(in alphabetical order)

Dole, Elizabeth [R-NC]
Sen. Dole is F rated in my Congressional guide. She signed Kyl's anti-poker UIGEA comment to the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve opposing our right to play. Kay Hagen is seeking the seat as the Democratic nominee.

Johnson, Tim [D-SD]
Sen. Johnson is F- rated in my Congressional guide. He sponsored anti-gaming bill S3006. He also cosponsored Kyl's anti-online gaming bills S474 and S692. Joel Dykstra is seeking the seat as the Republican nominee.

Smith, Gordon H. [R-OR]
Sen. Smith is F rated in my Congressional guide. He signed Kyl's anti-poker UIGEA comment to the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve opposing our right to play. Jeff Merkley is seeking the seat as the Democratic nominee.

Wicker, Roger [R-MS]
Sen. Wicker is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411 and HR 4777 while in the House. Ronnie Musgrove is seeking the seat as the Democratic nominee.

About the author: Rich Muny, an engineer who lives in Union, Ky., is an advocate of Internet poker rights. He is on the board of directors of the Poker Players Alliance.

2008-09-09T17:09:00.000-04:00

By RICH MUNY, aka "TheEngineer"

The Leach List, named in "honor" of anti-poker extremist former Rep. Jim Leach (R-IA), is comprised of 25 congressmen and four senators opposed to poker rights who are in tough reelection fights this year. Please see my blog on the Poker Players Alliance website for more information.

U.S. House Leach List

(in alphabetical order)

Dent, Charles [R-PA]
Rep. Dent is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411. Allentown Democratic Party chairwoman Sam Bennett is the Democratic nominee.

Garrett, Scott [R-NJ]
Rep. Garrett is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and voted no on the H.R. 5767 King Amendment. The Democratic nominee is rabbi Dennis G. Shulman.

Goode, Virgil [R-VA]
Rep. Goode is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Goode is running for re-election against Democrat Tom Perriello.

Latham, Thomas [R-IA]
Rep. Latham is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411. Community and party activist Becky Greenwald is the Democratic nominee.

Shays, Christopher [R-CT]
Rep. Shays is F- rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411 and as he voted no on the H.R. 5767 King Amendment. Shays is an outspoken opponent of our rights - a real anti-poker extremist. Shays won 51% of the vote in 2006 and 52% in 2004. Jim Himes and Lee Whitnum are seeking the Democratic nomination. The primary is in August. Richard Z. Duffee is the Green Party candidate.

Souder, Mark [R-IN]
Rep. Souder is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. Mike Montagano is the Democratic nominee.

Terry, Lee [R-NE]
Rep. Lee is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. His Democratic opponent is Omaha businessman Jim Esch.

U.S. Senate Leach List

(in alphabetical order)

Wicker, Roger [R-MS]
Sen. Wicker is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411 and HR 4777 while in the House. Ronnie Musgrove is seeking the seat as the Democratic nominee.

About the author: Rich Muny, an engineer who lives in Union, Ky., is an advocate of Internet poker rights. He is on the board of directors of the Poker Players Alliance.

2008-08-30T21:30:00.000-04:00

U.S. House Leach List

(in alphabetical order)

Dent, Charles [R-PA]
Rep. Dent is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411. Allentown Democratic Party chairwoman Sam Bennett is the Democratic nominee.

Garrett, Scott [R-NJ]
Rep. Garrett is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and voted no on the H.R. 5767 King Amendment. The Democratic nominee is rabbi Dennis G. Shulman.

Gerlach, Jim [R-PA]
Rep. Gerlach is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and voted no on the H.R. 5767 King Amendment. The Democratic nominee is former businessman Bob Roggio.

Goode, Virgil [R-VA]
Rep. Goode is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Goode is running for re-election against Democrat Tom Perriello.

Latham, Thomas [R-IA]
Rep. Latham is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411. Community and party activist Becky Greenwald is the Democratic nominee.

Souder, Mark [R-IN]
Rep. Souder is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. Mike Montagano is the Democratic nominee.

Terry, Lee [R-NE]
Rep. Lee is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. His Democratic opponent is Omaha businessman Jim Esch.

U.S. Senate Leach List

(in alphabetical order)

Wicker, Roger [R-MS]
Sen. Wicker is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411 and HR 4777 while in the House. Ronnie Musgrove is seeking the seat as the Democratic nominee.

About the author: Rich Muny, an engineer who lives in Union, Ky., is an advocate of Internet poker rights. He is on the board of directors of the Poker Players Alliance.

The Leach List

2008-07-26T17:46:00.000-04:00

U.S. House Leach List

(in alphabetical order)

Dent, Charles [R-PA]
Rep. Dent is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411. Allentown Democratic Party chairwoman Sam Bennett is the Democratic nominee.

Garrett, Scott [R-NJ]
Rep. Garrett is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and voted no on the H.R. 5767 King Amendment. The Democratic nominee is rabbi Dennis G. Shulman.

Goode, Virgil [R-VA]
Rep. Goode is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Goode is running for re-election against Democrat Tom Perriello.

Kuhl, John [R-NY]
Rep. Kuhl is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted for HR 4411 and cosponsored HR 4777. Kuhl survived a tight race in 2006, beating Eric Massa (D) by 52% to 48%. There will be a rematch this year -- Massa is the Democratic nominee.

Latham, Thomas [R-IA]
Rep. Latham is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411. Community and party activist Becky Greenwald is the Democratic nominee.

Souder, Mark [R-IN]
Rep. Souder is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. Mike Montagano is the Democratic nominee.

Terry, Lee [R-NE]
Rep. Lee is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he voted cosponsored both HR 4411 and HR 4777. His Democratic opponent is Omaha businessman Jim Esch.

U.S. Senate Leach List

(in alphabetical order)

Wicker, Roger [R-MS]
Sen. Wicker is F rated in my Congressional guide, as he cosponsored HR 4411 and HR 4777 while in the House. Ronnie Musgrove is seeking the seat as the Democratic nominee.

About the author: Rich Muny, an engineer who lives in Union, Ky., is an advocate of Internet poker rights. He is on the board of directors of the Poker Players Alliance.