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Weekly Update from Rich Muny, VP of Player Relations
Last update, I shared with you the fact that the House Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee had scheduled a hearing on HR 707 / RAWA for March 5th. The good news is that the hearing has been delayed, giving us the opportunity to keep up the lobbying and grassroots efforts in opposition to this attack on our game. The bad news is that the rumored witness list is stacked against poker, big time (here and here).
With the big money out against online poker and politicians scrambling to ensure big donors are happy, we have a real fight on our hands. We all have to do our part if we are to win the war.
I encourage you to join your fellow poker players and enthusiasts at the Poker Daily Action Plan to keep up the pressure on Capitol Hill. Can I count on you?
PPA at CPAC
Last update, I shared the news that PPA would be returning to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). I am happy to share that PPA was able to deliver a strong message regarding our right to play.
PPA Executive Director had a debate scheduled with Las Vegas Sands VP of Government Relations Andy Abboud, but Abboud failed to appear. CPAC sponsors American Conservative Union asked Las Vegas Sands to send anyone, but they apparently prefer backroom lobbying to allowing the light of day on their machinations. And, as John deafeated poker foe John Kindt handily in their debate at CPAC 2011, it is even less of a surprise that Sands would not take him on. So, instead, John gave a terrific speech on the rights of poker players and of the states to choose to authorize the game.
PPA Executive Director John Pappas debating anti-poker activist John Kindt at CPAC 2011
PPA hosted an opening night party at the event, where we were able to interface with many more folks there. We were also invited to the Reagan Dinner, at a table up front. I sat next to Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus and had a chance to discuss our issue. After dinner, John Pappas, American for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist and I had a chance to talk about the poker fight in detail. Norquist has stood publicly in strong opposition to efforts to ban online poker since at least 2008.
We have a long history at CPAC, having attended four consecutive years through (and including) 2012. We have always enjoyed a terrific reception by advocacy organizations, politicians, and rank-and-file attendees, but our 2015 return was the best yet!
I am glad we were able to take the fight to Adelson at this key event. We look forward to continuing to build the relationships necessary for us to win our fight.
Very awesome of poker pro Andrew “Luckychewy” Lichtenberger to help at the PPA booth
PPA Executive Director John Pappas, Competitive Enterprise Institute fellow Michelle Minton, and me at the PPA CPAC afterparty
John Pappas, Grover Norquist and me
UIGEA proponent Rep. Bob Goodlatte held a Tenth Amendment panel. I hope he chooses the Tenth Amendment over HR 707. He seems to be so far.
PPA hosted an opening night party at the event, where we were able to interface with many more folks there. We were also invited to the Reagan Dinner, at a table up front. I sat next to Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus and had a chance to discuss our issue. After dinner, John Pappas, American for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist and I had a chance to talk about the poker fight in detail. Norquist has stood publicly in strong opposition to efforts to ban online poker since at least 2008.
We have a long history at CPAC, having attended four consecutive years through (and including) 2012. We have always enjoyed a terrific reception by advocacy organizations, politicians, and rank-and-file attendees, but our 2015 return was the best yet!
I am glad we were able to take the fight to Adelson at this key event. We look forward to continuing to build the relationships on both sides of the aisle necessary for us to win our fight.
Director of Grassroots and External Affairs Departing
Drew Lesofski, who has served as director of grassroots and external affairs for seven years, is leaving PPA. We thank Drew for his years of service to the poker community and wish him well in his future endeavors.
Webcast: Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny
On this week’s Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny webcast, I was joined live by Competitive Enterprise Institute fellow Michelle Minton. We discussed last week’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), the upcoming House subcommittee hearing on RAWA / HR 707, and Sheldon Adelson’s ongoing efforts to ban online poker throughout America. You won’t want to miss this!
- Directly downloadable MP3 file (right click to save, left click to listen)
- Free iTunes download
And, on last week’s webcast, I was joined live by PPA Executive Director John Pappas. We discussed CPAC, the upcoming House subcommittee hearing on RAWA/HR 707, and Sheldon Adelson’s ongoing attacks on online poker.
You won’t want to miss this one either!
- Directly downloadable MP3 file (right click to save, left click to listen)
- Free iTunes download
Poker Advocacy with Rich Muny airs live Mondays at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on OnTilt Radio. Each show features great guests and the best discussion on poker legislation. Please be sure to tune in every Monday evening at www.ontiltradio.com.
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Thank you for your continued support!
Proud to play,
Rich Muny
[email protected]
The PPA wishes to keep active members like yourself updated on the latest poker advocacy news by periodically sending out select events and headlines. We hope you find it informative and thank you for your continuing support.
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