Republicans Change Language

August 31, 2008

After pressure from their constituents and the Poker Player’s Alliance, the Republican Party has removed language that states that online gambling is illegal. The party was not aware of how many online gambling advocates were part of their party – and have bowed to public pressure.

The party had put in anti online gambling jargon in the past two party platforms, and it was supposed to be in this years’ as well. However, with the Republican National Committee meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota looming next week, they decided to remove it. Many thought it had to do with the support shown the Republican party by such heavyweights as Senator Alfonse D’Amato – who is also the chairman of the PPA.

They were aware that they would alienate many of their constituents by leaving in the online gambling message, and know that by removing it they will pull in even more than they had before. The PPA was pleased with the victory as they have lobbied hard to get online gambling legal.

The PPA is more than a million members strong, and they are not shy about contributing to those politicians who support their message. They have given more than $1.2 million during the first half of the year on lobbying, and more than $350,000 of that went directly to candidates who were pro online gambling.

They know that although it is a victory, it is a small one. They have to keep pushing to make online gambling the forefront of legislation and to have it regulated and legalized. They also know that one of the main ways to do that is to show their support for a politician who supports them.


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