by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor
As the biggest supporters of internet poker, the Poker Players Alliance is always up-to-date on the latest gaming legislation and Congressional representatives. Because of this, in following with the latest court proceedings in Kentucky, the PPA has released a website (CongressionalPoker.com) that provides a grading system for members of Congress based on their favorability in the way of the right to gamble online.
The grades awarded are based on public stances, voting records, private meetings with PPA representatives and sponsored bills. Just in time for the upcoming election, in which the PPA has urged all of its members to vote, the online poker advocates have enabled users to search for each representative to see where they stand on the issue of internet gambling. Users may also e-mail representatives to voice their personal opinions. Users may even register to vote directly on this website, and information is providing in doing so.
Users may search for a representative via the state, zip code or name. A report card and rating guide have been provided as well. 114 members of Congress were not included in the ratings, due to their indecisiveness on the issue – this includes both Presidential Candidates. Of every Congressional member rated, 122 have earned an A, 164 have earned a B, 251 a D and 153 an F.
According to the rating guide, an A+ is awarded to those actively working to protect the rights of online poker players, and A is awarded to those who have supported online poker in sponsoring bills like H.R. 2046, HR 2610, HR5767 or HR 6870 and a A- if they had voted against anti-poker HR 4411, or the UIGEA, but no other action was taken.
Members receive a B for co-sponsoring HR610 to conduct a study on the effects on internet gambling and the UIGEA, but later took steps to promote online poker rights.
A D rating is given to those who voted for HR 4411, but exercised no other action against internet poker discrimination. An F goes to members who opposed online poker rights from the beginning in co-sponsoring HR 4411, HR 4777 and opposing bills like HR 5767 and HR 6870. Finally, an F- is given to members who are actively taking steps to criminalize online poker.
“As PPA continues its efforts to educate members of Congress about poker as a game of skill, it is important that PPA members know how their member of Congress stands on the issue of protecting their rights to play poker online,” said Alfonse D’Amato, PPA chairman and Former Senator. “The PPA Congressional Ratings Guide will make such information easily available as well as provide PPA members an easy way to contact their Congressional representatives and underscore their support for this great American pastime.”
The Congressional Ratings Guide, according to the PPA, will be updated following new information about representatives and their voting records, or when new legislation is sponsored.
|
