Early House Report Card
 

Based on the way things look now, here's my stab at House member ratings:

A+ (5): Barney Frank (D-MA), Robert Wexler (D-FL), Ron Paul (R-TX), Rep. Julia Carson [D-IN] (bonus points for the 6/8 performance), and Shelley Berkley (D-NV)

A (30):

Rep. Gary Ackerman [D-NY], opposed HR 4411, cosponsoring IGREA and SGPA
Rep. Howard Berman [D-CA] cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Michael Capuano [D-MA], opposed HR 4411, cosponsoring IGREA and SGPA
Rep. Russ Carnahan [D-MO], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Steve Cohen [D-TN], not in the 109th Congress,cosponoring SPGA, not cosponsoring IGREA
Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay [D-MO], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Joseph Crowley [D-NY], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Bob Filner [D-CA], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Vito Fossella [R-NY], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Luis Gutierrez [D-IL], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Alcee Hastings [D-FL], opposed HR 4411,cosponsoring IGREA and SGPA
Rep. Michael Honda [D-CA], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Steve Israel [D-NY], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Peter King [R-NY], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. John Larson [D-CT], supported HR 4411, cosponoring SPGA, not cosponsoring IGREA
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy [D-NY], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Jim McDermott [D-WA], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. James McGovern [D-MA], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Charlie Melancon [D-LA], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. James Moran [D-VA], supported HR 4411, cosponoring SPGA, not cosponsoring IGREA
Rep. Ed Perlmutter [D-CO], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Ciro Rodriguez [D-TX], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Steven Rothman [D-NJ], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Linda Sanchez [D-CA], opposed HR 4411, cosponsoring IGREA and SGPA
Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS], supported HR 4411, cosponsoring IGREA and SGPA
Rep. Edolphus Towns [D-NY], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Mel Watt [D-NC], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Anthony Weiner [D-NY], opposed HR 4411, cosponsoring IGREA and SGPA
Rep. Albert Russell Wynn [D-MD], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA
Rep. Don Young [R-AK], cosponsoring IGREA, not cosponsoring SGPA

A- (65):

(all opposed HR 4411 but are not cosponsoring IGREA or SGPA)

Rep. Robert Andrews [D-NJ], Rep. Joe Baca [D-CA], Rep. Tammy Baldwin [D-WI], Rep. Xavier Becerra [D-CA], Rep. Corrine Brown [D-FL], Rep. Lois Capps [D-CA], Rep. John Conyers [D-MI], Rep. Elijah Cummings [D-MD], Rep. Danny Davis [D-IL], Rep. William Delahunt [D-MA], Rep. John Dingell [D-MI], Rep. David Dreier [R-CA], Rep. Eliot Engel [D-NY], Rep. Anna Eshoo [D-CA], Rep. Sam Farr [D-CA], Rep. Jeff Flake [R-AZ], Rep. Charles Gonzalez [D-TX], Rep. Raul Grijalva [D-AZ], Rep. Doc Hastings [R-WA], Rep. Tim Holden [D-PA], Rep. Steny Hoyer [D-MD], Rep. Jay Inslee [D-WA], Rep. Jesse Jackson [D-IL], Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee [D-TX], Rep. Eddie Johnson [D-TX], Rep. Patrick Kennedy [D-RI], Rep. Dale Kildee [D-MI], Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick [D-MI], Rep. Ronald Kind [D-WI], Rep. Dennis Kucinich [D-OH], Rep. Barbara Lee [D-CA], Rep. Frank LoBiondo [R-NJ], Rep. Zoe Lofgren [D-CA], Rep. Connie Mack [R-FL], Rep. Edward Markey [D-MA], Rep. Doris Matsui [D-CA], Rep. George Miller [D-CA], Rep. Jerrold Nadler [D-NY], Rep. Grace Napolitano [D-CA], Rep. Richard Neal [D-MA], Rep. John Olver [D-MA], Rep. Edward Pastor [D-AZ], Rep. Ted Poe [R-TX], Rep. Jon Porter [R-NV], Rep. Charles Rangel [D-NY], Rep. Silvestre Reyes [D-TX], Rep. Dana Rohrabacher [R-CA], Rep. Steven Rothman [D-NJ], Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard [D-CA], Rep. Bobby Rush [D-IL], Rep. Loretta Sanchez [D-CA], Rep. Janice Schakowsky [D-IL], Rep. Adam Schiff [D-CA], Rep. Robert Scott [D-VA], Rep. José Serrano [D-NY], Rep. Hilda Solis [D-CA], Rep. Fortney "Pete" Stark [D-CA], Rep. Ellen Tauscher [D-CA], Rep. Patrick Tiberi [R-OH], Rep. John Tierney [D-MA], Rep. Tom Udall [D-NM], Rep. Nydia Velazquez [D-NY], Rep. Diane Watson [D-CA], Rep. Anthony Weiner [D-NY], and Rep. Lynn Woolsey [D-CA].

Looks like we could have 99 A rated Congressmen (out of 435), plus one A rated delegate. Not bad.

13 are Republicans (13/202, or 6.4%) and 87 are Democrats (87/232, or 37%).


B (28; 26 Democrats, 2 Republicans):

(cosponsoring HR 2140, the study bill, but not IGREA or SPGA)

Rep. Neil Abercrombie [D-HI], Rep. Nancy E. Boyda [D-KS], Rep. James E. Clyburn [D-SC], Rep. John Conyers [D-MI], Rep. Jim Costa [D-CA], Rep. Jerry F. Costello [D-IL], Del. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega [D-AS] (American Samoa….territories are allowed to vote, but not if their votes are within the margin of victory for a bill), Rep. Al Green [D-TX], Rep. Dean Heller [R-NV], Rep. Baron P. Hill [D-IN], Rep. Maurice D. Hinchey [D-NY], Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones [D-OH], Rep. James R. Langevin [RI-2], Rep. John Lewis [D-GA], Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney [D-NY], Rep. Kendrick B. Meek [D-FL], Rep. Gregory W. Meeks [D-NY], Rep. Dennis Moore [D-KS], Rep. Bill Pascrell [D-NJ], Rep. Donald M. Payne [D-NJ], Rep. Collin C. Peterson [D-MN], Rep. C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger [D-MD], Rep. Tim Ryan [D-OH], Rep. Pete Sessions [R-TX], Rep. Gene Taylor [D-MS], Rep. Mike Thompson [D-CA], Rep. Timothy J. Walz [D-MN], and Rep. John A. Yarmuth [D-KY].

Of the 127 A or B rated Congressmen and one delegate, 15 are Republicans (7.4%) and 113 are Democrats (49%). We have a majority in one caucus. Of the 41 Congressional Black Caucus members, 25 are A or B rated (61%). Additionally, Emanuael Cleaver (D-MO) spoke pretty well for IGREA during the 6/8 hearing.

F (34; 1 Democrats, 33 Republicans):

Rep. Todd Akin [R-MO] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Spencer Bachus [R-AL] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. James Barrett [R-SC] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Roy Blunt [R-MO] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. John Boehner (R-OH)
Del. Madeleine Bordallo [D-GU] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT)
Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY)
Rep. Charles Dent [R-PA] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Vernon Ehlers [R-MI] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Jeffrey Fortenberry [R-NE] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Trent Franks [R-AZ] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Wayne Gilchrest [R-MD] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Paul Gillmor [R-OH] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Darlene Hooley [D-OR] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Bob Inglis [R-SC] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Steve King (R-IA)
Rep. Mark Kirk [R-IL] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Thomas Latham [R-IA] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Michael McCaul [R-TX] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter [R-MI] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Mike Pence [R-IN] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Thomas Petri [R-WI] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Joseph Pitts [R-PA] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. James Ramstad [R-MN] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Michael Rogers [R-MI] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. John Shadegg [R-AZ] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Christopher Shays [R-CT] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Mark Souder [R-IN] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Lee Terry [R-NE] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Frederick Upton [R-MI] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. James Walsh [R-NY] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz [D-FL] (cosponsored HR 4411)
Rep. Roger Wicker [R-MS] (cosponsored HR 4411)

F- (2): Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL) and Rep. Christopher Shays [R-CT]

Hopefully we can have a good guide for election day. I think I'd strongly consider voting against any incumbent not A or B rated, even if the opponent is equally (but not more) anti-gambling.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

L-rated candidates (most vulnerable opponents, i.e, most likely to be "Leached"). These representatives are strongly against us, and most won their last two election by less than 55%. With their vulnerability, they may be more receptive to our letters. If no change of heart, it's Leach time! Don't let me click my mouse, lose your seat in the House!

Shelley Moore Capito (R.-WV).. Won in 2006 with 57% of vote. Likely to be challenged by pro-gaming Democrat John Unger II.

Steve Chabot (R-OH). Ohio is a good state for us, I think. It's becoming more progressive and libertarian, especially with regards to social conservatism. Chabot is a foe of ours.

Geoff Davis (R-KY). Another good target, especially if former Rep. Ken Lucas runs against him again. Also, supports the horse carve-out for UIGEA. Would be good to get him off the House Financial Services Committee.

William Jefferson (D-LA). He had the nerve to vote against us while having $90K in cash hiding in his freezer. Besides the laughable hypocrisy, the fact that the current Congressional Black Caucus is 61% A or B rated means his opponent (or the candidate running for the open seat if Jefferson is in jail by then) is likely to be excellent for freedom and liberty.

Ric Keller (R-FL). Consistently against us. Appears he'll have strong challengers in 2008.

Joe Knollenberg (R-MI). You all read his letter to us. Plus, as a Michigan Republican, he'll have a tough challenger in '08.

Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO). The Christian Coalition has ranked Musgrave's voting record at '100%' in support of the pro-Christian Coalition legislation listed on their scorecard (which includes Internet gaming).

Deborah Pryce (R-OH). OSU, plus regular Ohio voters, make her seat vulnerable.

Jean Schmidt (R-OH). Memorably called 38-year Marine Corps veteran Rep. John Murtha a coward for advocating leaving Iraq. Definitely an opponent of ours.

Chris Shays (R-CT). Good target here, especially as he's so vehemently against us. New England is turning against Republicans, while the Republican Party is turning against RINOs. He's in trouble in '08.

Mark Souder (R-IN). Brags about cosponsoring HR 4777 on his website. "U.S. Rep. Mark Souder joined a number of his House colleagues yesterday in cosponsoring H.R. 4777, the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act, legislation designed to crack down on the growing problem of illegal, offshore gambling, as well as illegal gambling that crosses state lines via phone lines and the Internet. The bipartisan bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on Thursday.... "

Heather Wilson (R-NM). Currently under a preliminary investigation by the House Ethics Committee over whether she made inappropriate contact with the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico by inquiring, shortly before an election in which she faced a stiff challenge, on the status of a corruption investigation involving a Democratic politician.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

Please comment so we can expand the list. For example, if you received a letter openly hostile to Internet gambling, please post here so I can add them to the "F" list. Likewise, if there's a pro-Internet poker House member out there not on my list, let's get them added.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

haha I was supposed to go to a picnic at Joe Pitts house yesterday

next time i see him or his chief of staff should i run up and yell "you get an F!!!"

jk im in no position to do that because of who i intern with

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
Shelley Moore Capito (R.-WV).. Won in 2006 with 57% of vote. Likely to be challenged by pro-gaming Democrat John Unger II.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have received 2 letters and a phone call from her office.

She is vulneable and likely will lose to Unger.

Proudly she supports the UIGEA and unfortunatly sits on the House Financial services Committee.
The sad part is she really had (now a least an understanding) no clue what UIGEA even was. In the phone call she believed it outlawed ALL Internet gambling.

Though I really wish the GOP would come around, I am going to be supporting Unger as will my wife. He will have wide spread support.

There are thousands of Poker players even here in my small county and the surrounding area from the turn out Friday for the WV state poker qualifier.

And yes, I was there (and no, I did not hit the lottery in the qualifier) and talked to several people support online Poker and gave them info on the PPA.

obg

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
*** You are ignoring this user ***

[/ QUOTE ]

Somehow your more recent posts are making a lot more sense.
[img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

Re: Early House Report Card
 

I am getting excited for next November. I hope we can make a difference in a few of these races. My wallet is ready.

Nice work Engineer, I loved reading these posts

Re: Early House Report Card
 

Besides the ones I rated, HR 4777, the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act, had 146 cosponsors. 119 of whom are still in office and have not yet been rated (13 Democrats and 106 Republicans). It's hard to assume they are all F-rated, as it seems Goodlatte simply got everyone willing to vote for the bill to cosign it. However, we should probably assume they are against us until they prove otherwise. They are:

Rep. Robert Aderholt [R-AL], Rep. Todd Akin [R-MO], Rep. Rodney Alexander [R-LA], Rep. Richard Baker [R-LA], Rep. James Barrett [R-SC], Rep. Roscoe Bartlett [R-MD], Rep. Robert Berry [D-AR], Rep. Roy Blunt [R-MO], Rep. Jo Bonner [R-AL], Rep. John Boozman [R-AR], Rep. Frederick Boucher [D-VA], Rep. Charles Boustany [R-LA], Rep. Kevin Brady [R-TX], Rep. Henry Brown [R-SC], Rep. Michael Burgess [R-TX], Rep. Dan Burton [R-IN], Rep. Stephen Buyer [R-IN], Rep. David Camp [R-MI], Rep. Eric Cantor [R-VA], Rep. Shelley Capito [R-WV], Rep. Dennis Cardoza [D-CA], Rep. Steven Chabot [R-OH], Rep. Ben Chandler [D-KY], Rep. Howard Coble [R-NC], Rep. Michael Conaway [R-TX], Rep. Robert Cramer [D-AL], Rep. Ander Crenshaw [R-FL], Rep. Barbara Cubin [R-WY], Rep. John Culberson [R-TX], Rep. Jo Ann Davis [R-VA], Rep. Lincoln Davis [D-TN], Rep. Thomas Davis [R-VA], Rep. Nathan Deal [R-GA], Rep. Peter DeFazio [D-OR], Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart [R-FL], Rep. Thelma Drake [R-VA], Rep. John Duncan [R-TN], Rep. Thomas Edwards [D-TX], Rep. Vernon Ehlers [R-MI], Rep. Jo Ann Emerson [R-MO], Rep. Bob Etheridge [D-NC], Rep. Terry Everett [R-AL], Rep. Tom Feeney [R-FL], Rep. Jeffrey Fortenberry [R-NE], R.C. Luis Fortuño [R-PR], Rep. Virginia Foxx [R-NC], Rep. Trent Franks [R-AZ], Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen [R-NJ], Rep. Elton Gallegly [R-CA], Rep. Wayne Gilchrest [R-MD], Rep. Paul Gillmor [R-OH], Rep. John Gingrey [R-GA], Rep. Louis Gohmert [R-TX], Rep. Virgil Goode [R-VA], Rep. Kay Granger [R-TX], Rep. Raymond Green [D-TX], Rep. Ralph Hall [R-TX], Rep. Robin Hayes [R-NC], Rep. Walter Herger [R-CA], Rep. David Hobson [R-OH], Rep. Peter Hoekstra [R-MI], Rep. Kenny Hulshof [R-MO], Rep. Duncan Hunter [R-CA], Rep. Bob Inglis [R-SC], Rep. Bobby Jindal [R-LA], Rep. Walter Jones [R-NC], Rep. Ric Keller [R-FL], Rep. Steve King [R-IA], Rep. Jack Kingston [R-GA], Rep. Mark Kirk [R-IL], Rep. John Kuhl [R-NY], Rep. Ray LaHood [R-IL], Rep. Jerry Lewis [R-CA], Rep. Ron Lewis [R-KY], Rep. John Linder [R-GA], Rep. Frank Lucas [R-OK], Rep. Daniel Lungren [R-CA], Rep. Kenny Marchant [R-TX], Rep. Michael McCaul [R-TX], Rep. James McCrery [R-LA], Rep. Mike McIntyre [D-NC], Rep. Howard McKeon [R-CA], Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers [R-WA], Rep. Jeff Miller [R-FL], Rep. Jerry Moran [R-KS], Rep. Marilyn Musgrave [R-CO], Rep. Sue Myrick [R-NC], Rep. Randy Neugebauer [R-TX], Rep. Charles Norwood [R-GA], Rep. Mike Pence [R-IN], Rep. John Peterson [R-PA], Rep. Joseph Pitts [R-PA], Rep. David Price [D-NC], Rep. Adam Putnam [R-FL], Rep. James Ramstad [R-MN], Rep. Ralph Regula [R-OH], Rep. Dennis Rehberg [R-MT], Rep. Thomas Reynolds [R-NY], Rep. Michael Rogers [R-MI], Rep. Michael Rogers [R-AL], Rep. David Scott [D-GA], Rep. John Shadegg [R-AZ], Rep. John Shimkus [R-IL], Rep. William Shuster [R-PA], Rep. Lamar Smith [R-TX], Rep. Mark Souder [R-IN], Rep. John Sullivan [R-OK], Rep. Lee Terry [R-NE], Rep. William Thornberry [R-TX], Rep. Todd Tiahrt [R-KS], Rep. Frederick Upton [R-MI], Rep. Greg Walden [R-OR], Rep. James Walsh [R-NY], Rep. David Weldon [R-FL], Rep. Lynn Westmoreland [R-GA], Rep. Roger Wicker [R-MS], Rep. Heather Wilson [R-NM], Rep. Addison Wilson [R-SC], and Rep. Frank Wolf [R-VA].

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
I am getting excited for next November. I hope we can make a difference in a few of these races. My wallet is ready.

Nice work Engineer, I loved reading these posts

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks! I hope a little data can go a long way for us in optimizing our efforts.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

We still have 100 D or F rated Senators.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
We still have 100 D or F rated Senators.

[/ QUOTE ]

How do you know that? Do you have data?

Six months ago, it seemed like we had 340 (out of 440) D or F rated Representatives. That wasn't the case. I hope you're not proposing that we give up, because we're not done yet. Thanks for sharing your opinion, though.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

Senator's have statewide races, not gerrymandered cakewalks. You have one senator vocally supporting us? You're handing out As and A-s for cosponsoring? Im not saying give up, I am saying nothing has been accomplished yet by us. What I don't really like is cheerleading nothing. Anything that happens this year happens because of the WTO, the banks, or the domestic B&M industry. We don't and won't accomplish [censored] till we scare or unseat some Representative, and show we can do it again in 2010. Ron Paul supporters send 10x the mail we do and he can't even get equal air time in a debate. Instead of patting ourselves on the back, we should be upping the sense of urgency. We should be preparing to get votes and money ready for 08. Grades are for advocacy groups who have clout, we don't have that yet.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

What the [censored] is your problem? You have a better idea? Ratings are done by all advocacy organziations (NRA, Christian Coalition, etc). We need to know where we stand...ratings do that. Someone needs to crunch some numbers, and you sure as [censored] aren't. If you don't want to cheerlead, why are you here?

By the way, we've accomplished a lot. Leach lost his seat, we have bills working through the House. We're as active as we can be for a group our size. Where are your letters? What are you doing? I've not seen it posted. Go ahead and do something, rather than bitching about what others aree doing. We'll be waiting.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

I call and write as much and more than the next person. Im sorry if you are taking this as hostile, but I hate spin, and this comes off as spin. I may not live in the beltway, and know lobbyists, editors and staffers but I have an idea of what goes on. My statement was this.......All we are doing now is just making noise. Grades are given for results, votes, and committments. We haven't gotten those.
We haven't gotten anything. If we beat Leach, we beat Leach, but no one else outside of here thinks we beat him.
Why you are cussing me out is beyond me, but I don't want a fight here. Yes, keep making noise, but Im just against patting ourselves on the back yet. Im sorry if I've offended you, Im trying to be constructivem but objective.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

It came across hostile as hell, to be frank. I have no idea what you mean by spin in this case. Quite frankly, I've never heard of someone getting bad about someone doing an analysis to see where we stand.

I decided to evaluate where we are relative to our support in the House. Seems we should know. Everyone else seems interested. If that angers you so, you can skip the thread, you know. I rated EXACTLY the same as NRA does. A+ for leading action. A and A- for cosponsoring friendly legislation, B for voting against a bad bill that passed 4-1, and an F for actively working against us. Again, if you don't like it, you really don't have to read it.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

Hostile isn't intended. My opinion is just that no one is on our side. Frank is on the banking indutry's side. I think most of the rest are lukewarm, and following the lead of a committee chairman. The difference is the NRA actually gets good bills passed for them, and bad ones squashed. I don't have a different idea, I like, support, and participate in what we do here. I just politely, and respectfully, think we haven't gotten far yet.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

What's wrong with celebrating successes even if they are just steps towards the ultimate goal? Yes, as poker players, we are nowhere we need to be, but in a much better spot than 9 months ago as a group and the political landscape.

Yes the PPA has to be better, I just don't get why they aren't trying to motivate us to do what we need to do.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

Edit: Removed per Engineer

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
Hostile isn't intended. My opinion is just that no one is on our side. Frank is on the banking indutry's side. I think most of the rest are lukewarm, and following the lead of a committee chairman. The difference is the NRA actually gets good bills passed for them, and bad ones squashed. I don't have a different idea, I like, support, and participate in what we do here. I just politely, and respectfully, think we haven't gotten far yet.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm impressed that you felt the handful of active Legislation forum posters here could deliver veto-proof House and Senate majorities in the two months you've been posting here if we'd only have a sense of urgency. The reality is that we lost a House vote 317-93 within the last 12 months. The progress we've made in such a short amount of time is something we can all take a little pride in. I don't know why you expected Congress to jump on our bandwagon a few months after that, but you're right in that this is a long-term fight. We're just getting started. If you're going to get upset every day we don't get an up-or-down Senate vote, you're in for a long ride.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

The Engineer,

I have been a long time lurker and finally decided to post in support of your efforts.

Gillibrand, Kirsten E., New York, 20th [D], is in my district in NY. A little background...

She is from a heavily republican district in upstate NY. The theory is that she won her seat because the incumbant (Sweeny (R)) was involved in a scandal right before the election, a cover-up over his wife reporting domestic abuse by him.

The leading opinion is that she will face STRONG opposition in re-election. She knows this as she is already showing commercials for her 'reelection' and is raising money like crazy (was the leading rookie House member in fund raising a few weeks ago)

This district is pro-gambling. Anyone that follows horse racing has heard of Saratoga Race Track. We also have Saratoga Racing and Gaming in this district (harness track with slot machines, including video poker). There is a push to get table games at the raceways.

Gillibrand is very pro-family as well so I don't know how pro-gambling would influence her vote. But without a doubt, she needs support.

I plan on writing a letter to her once I get the time. If you have any suggestions let me know. Knowing her, if she thinks supporting internet gambling will get her some votes I would bet that she would jump on board, considering that a lot of the House members from NY are already supporting.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

Errata: minor corrections after comparing side-by-side with current Congressional membership roster and ?/?- error


I finished reviewing where every Congressman stands, so that we can better focus our efforts; here are the results:

Key
A+: actively working for us
A: cosponsor of IGREA or SGPA legislation
A-: voted against HR 4411 but not cosponsoring IGREA or SGPA
B: cosponsoring the study bill
?: no voting record
?- : voted for HR 4411, but no other action.
F*: cosponsored HR 4777, Goodlatte’s ban bill
F: cosponsored HR 4411
F-: leader of efforts against us…zealot

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

Summary:

..........................D........R
with us............109......16
neutral............108......74
against us.........19.....111


The difference in the two parties is readily apparent. Now that we have a little data, it shows that we have a good shot in the House by focusing on Democrats still on the fence, plus some non-Southern Republicans. If we get this through the House Financial Services Committee, we may stand a good shot at getting this on some sort of legislation that requires funding, but we’ll have to do our part first. Thanks.

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

A+ (5 total, 4 Democrats and 1 Republican):

Berkley, Shelley [D-NV], Carson, Julia [D-IN], Frank, Barney [D-MA], Paul, Ron [R-TX], and Wexler, Robert [D-FL].

A (30 total, 27 D and 3 R):

Ackerman, Gary [D-NY], Berman, Howard [D-CA], Capuano, Michael [D-MA], Carnahan, Russ [D-MO], Clay, Wm. Lacy [D-MO], Cohen, Steve [D-TN], Crowley, Joseph [D-NY], Filner, Bob [D-CA], Fossella, Vito [R-NY], Gutierrez, Luis [D-IL], Hastings, Alcee [D-FL], Honda, Michael [D-CA], Israel, Steve [D-NY], King, Peter [R-NY], Larson, John [D-CT], McCarthy, Carolyn [D-NY], McDermott, Jim [D-WA], McGovern, James [D-MA], Melancon, Charlie [D-LA], Moran, James [D-VA], Perlmutter, Ed [D-CO], Rodriguez, Ciro [D-TX], Rothman, Steven [D-NJ], Sanchez, Linda [D-CA], Thompson, Bennie [D-MS], Towns, Edolphus [D-NY], Watt, Mel [D-NC], Weiner, Anthony [D-NY], Wynn, Albert [D-MD], and Young, Don [R-AK]

A- (63 total, 54 D and 9 R):

Andrews, Robert [D-NJ], Baca, Joe [D-CA], Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Becerra, Xavier [D-CA], Brown, Corrine [D-FL], Capps, Lois [D-CA], Conyers, John [D-MI], Cummings, Elijah [D-MD], Davis, Danny [D-IL], Delahunt, William [D-MA], Dingell, John [D-MI], Dreier, David [R-CA], Engel, Eliot [D-NY], Eshoo, Anna [D-CA], Farr, Sam [D-CA], Flake, Jeff [R-AZ], Gonzalez, Charles [D-TX], Grijalva, Raul [D-AZ], Hastings, Doc [R-WA], Holden, Tim [D-PA], Hoyer, Steny [D-MD], Inslee, Jay [D-WA], Jackson, Jesse [D-IL], Jackson-Lee, Sheila [D-TX], Johnson, Eddie [D-TX], Kennedy, Patrick [D-RI], Kildee, Dale [D-MI], Kilpatrick, Carolyn [D-MI], Kind, Ronald [D-WI], Kucinich, Dennis [D-OH], Lee, Barbara [D-CA], LoBiondo, Frank [R-NJ], Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA], Mack, Connie [R-FL], Markey, Edward [D-MA], Matsui, Doris [D-CA], Miller, George [D-CA], Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY], Napolitano, Grace [D-CA], Neal, Richard [D-MA], Olver, John [D-MA], Pastor, Edward [D-AZ], Poe, Ted [R-TX], Porter, Jon [R-NV], Rangel, Charles [D-NY], Reyes, Silvestre [D-TX], Rohrabacher, Dana [R-CA], Roybal-Allard, Lucille [D-CA], Rush, Bobby [D-IL], Sanchez, Loretta [D-CA], Schakowsky, Janice [D-IL], Schiff, Adam [D-CA], Scott, Robert [D-VA], Serrano, José [D-NY], Solis, Hilda [D-CA], Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA], Tauscher, Ellen [D-CA], Tiberi, Patrick [R-OH], Tierney, John [D-MA], Udall, Tom [D-NM], Velazquez, Nydia [D-NY], Watson, Diane [D-CA], and Woolsey, Lynn [D-CA].

B (27 total, 25 D and 2 R):

Abercrombie, Neil [D-HI], Boyda, Nancy [D-KS], Clyburn, James [D-SC], Costa, Jim [D-CA], Costello, Jerry [D-IL], Faleomavaega, Eni [D-AS], Green, Al [D-TX], Heller, Dean [R-NV], Hill, Baron [D-IN], Hinchey, Maurice [D-NY], Jones, Stephanie Tubbs [D-OH], Langevin, James [RI-2], Lewis, John [D-GA], Maloney, Carolyn [D-NY], Meek, Kendrick [D-FL], Meeks, Gregory [D-NY], Moore, Dennis [D-KS], Pascrell, Bill [D-NJ], Payne, Donald [D-NJ], Peterson, Collin [D-MN], Ruppersberger, Dutch [D-MD], Ryan, Tim [D-OH], Sessions, Pete [R-TX], Taylor, Gene [D-MS], Thompson, Mike [D-CA], Walz, Timothy [D-MN], and Yarmuth, John [D-KY].

? (63 total, 44 D and 19 R):

Allen, Tom, Maine, 1st [D], Altmire, Jason, Pennsylvania, 4th [D], Arcuri, Michael A., New York, 24th [D], Bachmann, Michele, Minnesota, 6th [R], Barton, Joe, Texas, 6th [R], Bean, Melissa L., Illinois, 8th [D], Biggert, Judy, Illinois, 13th [R], Braley, Bruce L., Iowa, 1st [D], Buchanan, Vern, Florida, 13th [R], Carney, Christopher P., Pennsylvania, 10th [D], Castor, Kathy, Florida, 11th [D], Christian-Christensen, Donna M., U.S. Virgin Islands [D], Clarke, Yvette D., New York, 11th [D], Courtney, Joe, Connecticut, 2nd [D], Cuellar, Henry, Texas, 28th [D], Davis, David, Tennessee, 1st [R], Donnelly, Joe, Indiana, 2nd [D], Doyle, Mike, Pennsylvania, 14th [D], Ellison, Keith, Minnesota, 5th [D], Ellsworth, Brad, Indiana, 8th [D], Fallin, Mary, Oklahoma, 5th [R], Forbes, J. Randy, Virginia, 4th [R], Giffords, Gabrielle, Arizona, 8th [D], Gillibrand, Kirsten E., New York, 20th [D], Hall, John J., New York, 19th, Hare, Phil, Illinois, 17th [D], Hastert, Denny, Illinois, 14th [R], Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie, South Dakota, At Large [D], Hinojosa, Rubén, Texas, 15th [D], Hirono, Mazie K., Hawaii, 2nd [D], Hodes, Paul W., New Hampshire, 2nd [D], Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" Jr., Georgia, 4th [D], Jordan, Jim, Ohio, 4th [R], Kagen, Steve, Wisconsin, 8th [D], Klein, Ron , Florida, 22nd [D], Lamborn, Doug, Colorado, 5th [R], Lampson, Nick, Texas, 22nd [D], Loebsack, David, Iowa, 2nd [D], Mahoney, Tim, Florida, 16th [D], McHenry, Patrick T., North Carolina, 10th [R], McNerney, Jerry, California, 11th [D], Miller, Brad, North Carolina, 13th [D], Mitchell, Harry E., Arizona, 5th [D], Mollohan, Alan B., West Virginia, 1st [D], Murphy, Christopher S., Connecticut, 5th [D], Murphy, Patrick J., Pennsylvania, 8th [D], Norton, Eleanor Holmes, District of Columbia [D], Roskam, Peter J., Illinois, 6th [R], Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana, Florida, 18th [R], Ryan, Paul, Wisconsin, 1st [R], Sali, Bill, Idaho, 1st [R], Sarbanes, John P., Maryland, 3rd [D], Sestak, Joe, Pennsylvania, 7th [D], Shea-Porter, Carol, New Hampshire, 1st [D], Shuler, Heath, North Carolina, 11th [D], Sires, Albio, New Jersey, 13th [D], Slaughter, Louise, New York, 28th [D], Smith, Adrian, Nebraska, 3rd [R], Smith, Chris, New Jersey, 4th [R], Space, Zachary T., Ohio, 18th [D], Sutton, Betty, Ohio, 13th [D], Walberg, Timothy, Michigan, 7th [R], and Wilson, Charles A., Ohio, 6th [D].

?- (119 total, 64 D and 55 R):

Baird, Brian, Washington, 3rd [D], Barrow, John, Georgia, 12th [D], Bilbray, Brian P., California, 50th [R], Bilirakis, Gus M., Florida, 9th [R], Bishop Jr., Sanford D., Georgia, 2nd [R], Bishop, Rob, Utah, 1st [D], Bishop, Timothy, New York, 1st [D], Blackburn, Marsha, Tennessee, 7th [R], Blumenauer, Earl, Oregon, 3rd [D], Bono, Mary, California, 45th [R], Boren, Dan, Oklahoma, 2nd [D], Boswell, Leonard, Iowa, 3rd [D], Boyd, Allen, Florida, 2nd [D], Brady, Robert, Pennsylvania, 1st [D], Brown-Waite, Virginia, Florida, 5th [R], Butterfield, G.K., North Carolina, 1st [D], Calvert, Ken, California, 44th [R], Campbell, John, California, 48th [R], Carter, John, Texas, 31st [R], Castle, Michael N., Delaware, At Large [R], Cleaver, Emanuel, Missouri, 5th [D], Cole, Tom, Oklahoma, 4th [R], Cooper, Jim, Tennessee, 5th [D], Davis, Artur, Alabama, 7th [D], Davis, Susan, California, 53rd [D], DeGette, Diana, Colorado, 1st [D], DeLauro, Rosa L., Connecticut, 3rd [D], Diaz-Balart, Mario, Florida, 25th [R], Dicks, Norman D., Washington, 6th [D], Doggett, Lloyd, Texas, 25th [D], Doolittle, John, California, 4th [R], Emanuel, Rahm, Illinois, 5th [D], English, Phil, Pennsylvania, 3rd [R], Fattah, Chaka, Pennsylvania, 2nd [D], Ferguson, Michael, New Jersey, 7th [R], Garrett, Scott, New Jersey, 5th [R], Gerlach, Jim, Pennsylvania, 6th [R], Gordon, Bart, Tennessee, 6th [D], Graves, Sam, Missouri, 6th [R], Harman, Jane, California, 36th [D], Hensarling, Jeb, Texas, 5th [R], Higgins, Brian, New York, 27th [D], Holt, Rush, New Jersey, 12th [D], Issa, Darrell, California, 49th [R], Jefferson, William J., Louisiana, 2nd [D], Johnson, Sam, Texas, 3rd [R], Johnson, Timothy V., Illinois, 15th [R], Kanjorski, Paul E., Pennsylvania, 11th [D], Kaptur, Marcy, Ohio, 9th [D], Kline, John, Minnesota, 2nd [R], Knollenberg, Joseph , Michigan, 9th [R], Lantos, Tom, California, 12th [D], Larsen, Rick, Washington, 2nd [D], LaTourette, Steven C., Ohio, 14th [R], Levin, Sander, Michigan, 12th [D], Lipinski, Daniel, Illinois, 3rd [D], Lowey, Nita, New York, 18th [D], Lynch, Stephen F., Massachusetts, 9th [D], Manzullo, Donald, Illinois, 16th [R], Marshall, Jim, Georgia, 8th [D], Matheson, Jim, Utah, 2nd [D], McCarthy, Kevin, California, 22nd [R], McCollum, Betty, Minnesota, 4th [D], McHugh, John M., New York, 23rd [R], McNulty, Michael R., New York, 21st [D], Mica, John, Florida, 7th [R], Michaud, Michael, Maine, 2nd [D], Miller, Candice, Michigan, 10th [R], Miller, Gary, California, 42nd [R], Moore, Gwen, Wisconsin, 4th [D], Murphy, Tim, Pennsylvania, 18th [R], Murtha, John, Pennsylvania, 12th [D], Nunes, Devin, California, 21st [R], Oberstar, James L., Minnesota, 8th [D], Obey, David R., Wisconsin, 7th [D], Ortiz, Solomon P., Texas, 27th [D], Pallone Jr., Frank, New Jersey, 6th [D], Pearce, Steve, New Mexico, 2nd [R], Pelosi, Nancy, California, 8th [D], Pickering, Charles W. "Chip", Mississippi, 3rd [R], Platts, Todd, Pennsylvania, 19th [R], Pomeroy, Earl, North Dakota, At Large [D], Price, Tom, Georgia, 6th [R], Pryce, Deborah, Ohio, 15th [R], Radanovich, George P., California, 19th [R], Rahall, Nick, West Virginia, 3rd [D], Reichert, David G., Washington, 8th [R], Renzi, Rick, Arizona, 1st [R], Rogers, Harold, Kentucky, 5th [R], Rogers, Mike, Alabama, 3rd [R], Ross, Mike, Arkansas, 4th [D], Royce, Ed, California, 40th [R], Salazar, John T., Colorado, 3rd [D], Saxton, Jim, New Jersey, 3rd [R], Schmidt, Jean, Ohio, 2nd [R], Schwartz, Allyson Y., Pennsylvania, 13th [D], Sensenbrenner, F. James, Wisconsin, 5th [R], Sherman, Brad, California, 27th [D], Simpson, Mike, Idaho, 2nd [R], Skelton, Ike, Missouri, 4th [D], Smith, Adam, Washington, 9th [D], Snyder, Vic, Arkansas, 2nd [D], Spratt, John, South Carolina, 5th [D], Stearns, Cliff, Florida, 6th [R], Stupak, Bart, Michigan, 1st [D], Tancredo, Tom, Colorado, 6th [R], Tanner, John, Tennessee, 8th [D], Turner, Michael, Ohio, 3rd [R], Udall, Mark, Colorado, 2nd [D], Van Hollen, Chris, Maryland, 8th [D], Visclosky, Peter, Indiana, 1st [D], Wamp, Zach, Tennessee, 3rd [R], Waters, Maxine, California, 35th [D], Waxman, Henry, California, 30th [D], Weldon, Dave, Florida, 15th [R], Weller, Jerry, Illinois, 11th [R], Whitfield, Ed, Kentucky, 1st [R], Wu, David, Oregon, 1st [D], and Young, C.W. Bill, Florida, 10th [R].

F* (95 total, 16 D and 79 R):

Aderholt, Robert [R-AL], Alexander, Rodney [R-LA], Baker, Richard [R-LA], Bartlett, Roscoe [R-MD], Berry, Robert [D-AR], Bonner, Jo [R-AL], Boozman, John [R-AR], Boucher, Frederick [D-VA], Boustany, Charles [R-LA], Brady, Kevin [R-TX], Brown, Henry [R-SC], Burgess, Michael [R-TX], Burton, Dan [R-IN], Buyer, Stephen [R-IN], Camp, David [R-MI], Cantor, Eric [R-VA], Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Cardoza, Dennis [D-CA], Chabot, Steven [R-OH], Chandler, Ben [D-KY], Coble, Howard [R-NC], Conaway, Michael [R-TX], Cramer, Robert [D-AL], Crenshaw, Ander [R-FL], Cubin, Barbara [R-WY], Culberson, John [R-TX], Davis, Jo Ann [R-VA], Davis, Lincoln [D-TN], Davis, Thomas [R-VA], Deal, Nathan [R-GA], DeFazio, Peter [D-OR], Diaz-Balart, Lincoln [R-FL], Drake, Thelma [R-VA], Duncan, John [R-TN], Edwards, Thomas [D-TX], Emerson, Jo Ann [R-MO], Etheridge, Bob [D-NC], Everett, Terry [R-AL], Feeney, Tom [R-FL], Fortuño, Luis [R-PR], Foxx, Virginia [R-NC], Frelinghuysen, Rodney [R-NJ], Gallegly, Elton [R-CA], Gingrey, John [R-GA], Gohmert, Louis [R-TX], Goode, Virgil [R-VA], Granger, Kay [R-TX], Green, Raymond [D-TX], Hall, Ralph [R-TX], Hayes, Robin [R-NC], Herger, Walter [R-CA], Hobson, David [R-OH], Hoekstra, Peter [R-MI], Hulshof, Kenny [R-MO], Hunter, Duncan [R-CA], Jindal, Bobby [R-LA], Jones, Walter [R-NC], Keller, Ric [R-FL], Kingston, Jack [R-GA], Kuhl, John [R-NY], LaHood, Ray [R-IL], Lewis, Jerry [R-CA], Lewis, Ron [R-KY], Linder, John [R-GA], Lucas, Frank [R-OK], Lungren, Daniel [R-CA], Marchant, Kenny [R-TX], McCrery, James [R-LA], McIntyre, Mike [D-NC], McKeon, Howard [R-CA], McMorris Rogers, Cathy [R-WA], Miller, Jeff [R-FL], Moran, Jerry [R-KS], Musgrave, Marilyn [R-CO], Myrick, Sue [R-NC], Neugebauer, Randy [R-TX], Peterson, John [R-PA], Price, David [D-NC], Putnam, Adam [R-FL], Regula, Ralph [R-OH], Rehberg, Dennis [R-MT], Reynolds, Thomas [R-NY], Scott, David [D-GA], Shimkus, John [R-IL], Shuster, William [R-PA], Smith, Lamar [R-TX], Sullivan, John [R-OK], Thornberry, William [R-TX], Tiahrt, Todd [R-KS], Walden, Greg [R-OR], Weldon, David [R-FL], Westmoreland, Lynn [R-GA], Wilson, Addison [R-SC], Wilson, Heather [R-NM], and Wolf, Frank [R-VA].

F (32 total, 3 D and 29 R):

Akin, Todd [R-MO], Barrett, James [R-SC], Blunt, Roy [R-MO], Boehner, John [R-OH], Bordallo, Madeleine [D-GU], Cannon, Chris [R-UT], Davis, Geoff [R-KY], Dent, Charles [R-PA], Ehlers, Vernon [R-MI], Fortenberry, Jeffrey [R-NE], Franks, Trent [R-AZ], Gilchrest, Wayne [R-MD], Gillmor, Paul [R-OH], Hooley, Darlene [D-OR], Inglis, Bob [R-SC], King, Steve [R-IA], Kirk, Mark [R-IL], Latham, Thomas [R-IA], McCaul, Michael [R-TX], McCotter, Thaddeus [R-MI], Pence, Mike [R-IN], Petri, Thomas [R-WI], Pitts, Joseph [R-PA], Ramstad, James [R-MN], Rogers, Michael [R-MI], Shadegg, John [R-AZ], Souder, Mark [R-IN], Terry, Lee [R-NE], Upton, Frederick [R-MI], Walsh, James [R-NY], Wasserman Shultz, Debbie [D-FL], and Wicker, Roger [R-MS].

F- (3 total, 0 D and 3 R):

Bachus, Spencer [R-AL], Goodlatte, Bob [R-VA], and Shays, Christopher [R-CT].

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
I have been a long time lurker and finally decided to post in support of your efforts.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks, I appreciate the support. Together, we can all make a difference.

[ QUOTE ]
I plan on writing a letter to her once I get the time. If you have any suggestions let me know. Knowing her, if she thinks supporting internet gambling will get her some votes I would bet that she would jump on board, considering that a lot of the House members from NY are already supporting.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, we have a lot of support in NY. She may come on board with enough letters. Since you asked for a suggestion, I'd really just urge you to not wait to write the perfect letter. After all, the goal isn't to change her mind through the persuasive power of the pen. Rather, it's to share with her your feelings as a voter. In other words, your not trying to convince her to support poker....you're trying to convince her that YOU support poker, you vote accordingly, and you represent many in your district. So, I think you should email her today with a short and sweet note telling her it's your business what you do with your money. Then, maybe when you get time you can write a longer note if you care to. I get mileage out of my longer notes by reusing them (or parts of them) many times, but please don't feel the need to start off with that.

Here's the PPA form letter, from http://activate.pokerplayersalliance.org/ . You can cut and paste it, or you can email it right from the site in about 45 seconds (I'd probably send the email right from the site, then format it in Word, print it out and send it as snail mail):

[ QUOTE ]
Letter to Your Elected Officials

As a constituent and voter in your district, I am writing to ask you to support and co-sponsor HR 2046 – the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007.

In 2006, my right to play poker -- a legendary game of skill that dates back centuries -- was assaulted simply because I chose to exercise that right online. Now, that right will be denied permanently unless Congress takes action. I am counting on you to help restore my rights by supporting HR 2046.

If HR 2046 passes into law, online poker will be safe, secure and regulated. The bill creates stringent licensing regulations for poker operators, so it will protect consumers and poker players alike.

The bill also has rigorous protections against illegal gambling, underage gambling, and compulsive gambling. But it doesn’t force any state to accept online gaming – it will simply allow any currently legal gaming to take place online. States and sports leagues can opt out completely if they wish.

What’s important to me is your support for restoring my rights. Please respond to this letter, and let me know if you will support and co-sponsor HR 2046. I will be watching your actions on this bill closely. I hope that I -- and thousands of other poker fans in your district -- can count on your support.

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
*** You are ignoring this user ***

[/ QUOTE ]

Somehow your more recent posts are making a lot more sense.
[img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

I barely post on this board? I can't imagine I've said anything to make me ignore worthy lol.

Ohhh right you are the guy that went bat**** insane on the PA Poker thread. Makes sense now.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
Ric Keller (R-FL). Consistently against us. Appears he'll have strong challengers in 2008.

[/ QUOTE ]

I used to live in this guy's district; here's some info on him that may help. He's very pro-business, most of his big issues revolve around cutting taxes and shielding corporations from civil lawsuits. Like most southern Republicans, he keeps in close step with the religious right. He has little in common with libertarian conservatism, and one of his main issues is preventing people from downloading music from the internet.

His district is gerrymandered in his favor, but it does contain some urban areas and one of the largest college campuses in the nation (UCF). Much as young poker players at Ohio State helped to unseat Leach, poker players at UCF could have a similar effect.

In the past Keller has benefited from running against weak competition. He comes off as an intellectual lightweight by taking stands on goofy issues and exhibiting below-average debate skills. He's also extraordinarily creepy looking. In the current political climate, a well funded non-stupid Democrat has a good shot at unseating him.

Congressman or Child Molester?
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...Ric_Keller.jpg

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
Yes the PPA has to be better, I just don't get why they aren't trying to motivate us to do what we need to do.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have always felt that the PPA is not serving *our* interests and that they represent the interests of certain *entities*, if you know what I mean.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
Carter, John, Texas, 31st [R]

[/ QUOTE ]

Has anyone gotten a response from him? I've sent him 3 emails in the past few months and I've never gotten any kind of response. Not even a BS form letter, nothing.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
Congressman or Child Molester?

[/ QUOTE ]


Beat up a lot in high school.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

Wow, this is awesome! Thanks so much for the info Engineer. I like the idea of the "L" rated candidates too.

Moneyline - good idea. Candidates with proximity to major colleges could be good targets.

Legislurker - Don't be a wet blanket. Of course we won't see quick results. Instant gratification <> government.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

My letter to my rep:

Dear Representative Sestak,

As a transplanted Californian I arrived in Pennsylvania in time to cast my vote for both Bob Casey and yourself. I used those votes to voice a disagreement on the larger issues that have plagued our country under the current President and I applaud your efforts in making my voice heard in Washington.

While considerable work is still required on the larger issues, it is not the purpose of this letter.

In July of last year Congress passed the Port Securities Act with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) attached. This attachment was added last minute and the vote took place with no debate on the topic. Representative Barney Frank has introduced legislation to restore some freedoms to Americans.

As a veteran myself I served my country because I love the ideals of our nation. I love the idea of freedom. Some of that was taken from me with the passing of the UIGEA. I ask you to co-sponsor H.R. 2046 and support Barney Frank in this very American fight.

Sincerely,
DeliciousBass

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
Dear Representative Sestak,

[/ QUOTE ]

http://phs.parkhill.k12.mo.us/person...sleestak22.jpg

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
http://phs.parkhill.k12.mo.us/person...sleestak22.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

If this guy co-sponsors than he can use his ray-gun to get it pushed through faster.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
My letter to my rep:

Dear Representative Sestak,

As a transplanted ....DeliciousBass

[/ QUOTE ]

Very nice!

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
Deborah Pryce (R-OH). OSU, plus regular Ohio voters, make her seat vulnerable.

[/ QUOTE ]

Just moved to her district and finally got around to e-mailing her. Will post response in separate thread when (if?) I receive it.

Dear Ms. Pryce

I recently moved to your district from Gahanna (Pat Tiberi's district). I was curious to hear your opinion on an issue that is important to me. Last year, Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act thanks to questionable tactics by some of your colleagues in the Senate. This law is a disturbing infringement on our civil liberties. I have enjoyed playing poker in my leisure time since college, and I find it disconcerting that the federal government feels the need to tell me I can't enjoy this activity in my spare time.

I also noticed that you voted for H.R. 4411 prior to the UIGEA being attached to the Safe Ports act. I was hoping to clarify if your position has changed on this issue, specifically with regards to IGREA proposed by Congressman Frank.

This issue is perhaps merely a symptom of the overall change in the Republican party. Gone are the days of Libertarianism. Instead, the Republican party seems concerned with "saving us from ourselves". I do consider you a moderate from your positions I have seen in the Dispatch, and I hope you consider this issue carefully. I, along with many Ohio State students who enjoy poker, will be paying attention to this issue next November.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I plan on writing a letter to her once I get the time. .....

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, we have a lot of support in NY. She may come on board with enough letters. Since you asked for a suggestion, I'd really just urge you to not wait to write the perfect letter. After all, the goal isn't to change her mind through the persuasive power of the pen. Rather, it's to share with her your feelings as a voter. In other words, you're not trying to convince her to support poker........

Here's the PPA form letter, from http://activate.pokerplayersalliance.org/ . You can cut and paste it, or you can email it right from the site in about 45 seconds (I'd probably send the email right from the site, then format it in Word, print it out and send it as snail mail...you can also print the letter out right from the site, then sign and mail it)...

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Early House Report Card
 

This is both sad and funny.

Received a third reply yesterday from Capito.

She serves on the House Financial Services Committee and I quote from the letter; "Currently the house of Representatives is not considering any lefislation that addresses the position taken by U.S. trade Representative, susan Schwab, vis a vis gambling".

I wrote back today asking where has she been, perhaps if she attended the committee meetings she would know that her chairman HAS introduced legislation addressing this.

Also, Congressman Wexler from florida has introduce exemptions for games of skill 9though they already are exempt) but specifically naming poker as exempt as a Skill Game.

I sure hope no matter what happens for poker, we in WV get rid of her.

Following that, I sent the following letter to a local statewide newspaper where i have had a few letters published in the past.

The Billion Dollar Card game

A trade settlement in the works by the bush administration and supported by Rep. Capito is about to cost Americans & American companies BILLIONS of dollars.
In 1994 the Clinton administration signed a WTO Trade Agreement allowing among other things Internet poker in the U.S.
Now, the Right wing of the Bush administration, on moral grounds, passed a law prohibiting it.
To withdraw from this ‘Deal’ we must agree to trade sanctions in the billions against American Companies.
We were sued in court by the small island nation Antigua-Barbuda and lost and they want 3.4 BILLION in compensation PER YEAR, forever.
No big deal except we also signed this deal with 50 other countries some of which have joined the suit since we refuse to honor our agreements.
To quote U.S. trade lawyer Juan Millan; “Millan said Washington accepted that U.S. gambling laws were not in compliance with its WTO obligations. But he said Antigua's request for retaliation was unnecessary because the U.S. was negotiating compensation with all interested WTO members — despite having originally argued that it was exempt from sanctions or having to pay compensation.”
So, instead of staying out of American’s homes, the Bush administration is entering even more, costing Americans and American Companies unnecessary added expenses and potentially costing us more American jobs by placing additional trade burdens on citizens and companies.
Thanks congresswoman Capito for supporting this and thanks president Bush for placing the right wing moral values above the privacy rights of American Citizens.


obg

Re: Early House Report Card
 

Rep. Tim Ryan [D-OH] cosponsored Wexler's SGPA today! I'll move him from "B" to "A".

Re: Early House Report Card
 

When I created the "Report Card", there were three open House seats. One was filled today by Dr. Paul Broun’s of Georgia. Dr. Broun compares himself in some ways to another doctor in the House...our good friend Ron Paul.

Sounds somewhat promising, but not entirely. I found nothing on his stand on any gambling. I guess I'll rate him "?" until we learn more.

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=21602 :

[ QUOTE ]
Regardless of the election’s outcome, Georgia’s 10th CD -- and Congress -- would have gained another conservative Republican. With Paul Broun’s victory, the GOP has gained aself-described “strict constitutionalist” who is committed to “restor[ing] government according to the Constitution as our Founders intended.” Broun has said that he, like Rep. Ron Paul (R-Tex.), will “always carry a pocket Constitution” on his person while in Congress, and will “apply a four-way test to all legislation” (in essence, is each piece of legislation constitutional, moral, needed, and affordable?)

Broun is a proponent of private property rights, an opponent of illegal immigration, and a supporter of the Fair Tax, or national sales tax (as well as the abolition of the IRS.) He is a member of the National Rifle Association and president of the local affiliate, the Georgia Sport Shooting Association. Further, he is pro-religious freedom, and is very outspoken against “the ACLU and Activist Federal Judges,” who he says are “destroying America's heritage of religious freedom and religious expression.”

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Early House Report Card
 

I have been in contact by e-mail on three occasions this year with my congressman, David Scott (D-GA). If I were to give him a grade based on his responses, it would be C-. He seems vaguely aware of all the current and pending legislation impacting on internet gaming, but has been just as vague in his positions on each of them.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

Thanks. That's the data that will help us differentiate congressmen willing to listen from [censored] like Bachus and Goodlatte.

Re: Early House Report Card
 

IGREA has three new cosponsors, for a total of 34!

Reps. Joe Baca [D-CA], voted against HR 4411 [now "A"]
Lynn C. Woolsey [D-CA], voted against HR 4411 [now "A"]
Neil Abercrombie [D-HI], voted against HR 4411 [now "A"]

Please note that all "A" and "B" congressmen have actually done something tangible for us (either voted against HR 4411 or cosponsored legislation).