URGENT Update From NROG (Posted Friday at 3pm)

[Georgia Avenue]

I was a little vehement. Can't call right now, but sent Levin and Warner similar emails:

I am a Republican voter from MD and I am outraged about the actions of Bill Frist this week. He is attempting to unethically add an anti-online-gambling addendum to the Department of Defense bill. I am a strong supporter of Defense, but I am shocked that Mr. First would use such underhanded tactics to pass what is probably an unpopular piece of morality legislation under the noses of the American people and the Congress without any meaningful debate!

Please don't let this happen Mr. Sarbanes. Help fight to stop this travesty. If he, or anyone else wants to pass legislation about gambling, he should have to do it in the public forum, where those for and against the issue can have their say...to try and sneak it into law under the cover of a noble cause like military spending is underhanded and plain dirty. Whatever your opinion of playing games of chance online, I'd hope you'd continue your legacy of integrity by working against this item being attached to the Department of Defence Bill.

Thank you for you consideration,

[ajml]

I just saw this and my appropriate offices are closed. I will send an email, should I leave a message on the phone as well or is it better to wait and call later?

[whangarei]

I *think* calling is considered a little more effective.

Also I would suggest calling Levin's and Warner's offices as they hold a great deal of power in this current fight.

[TalentedTom]

Is there anything people who do not live in the USA can do to help?

[IronDragon1]

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Mr. K,

Would it help to call Levin or Warner's office if we are not from their states?

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When I called them, neither Warner nor Levin's office asked which state I was from. I'd certainly mention the state I was from if I was within the senator's jurisdiction, but from the sounds of things these officies are getting a lot of calls and may just be marking off a tally sheet.

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I just called both and both offices asked for zip code and Sen. Levin's office asked for my name.

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Honestly, it shouldn't matter. Yes they are representatives of their state but they hold unique positions of national importance. Their job is not just to cater to the whims of their state but to think of the overall good of the country.

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Other dude: Senator Warner/Levin's office
Me: Basically following Nate's script
Other dude: Can I have your zip code?
Me: Zip code
Other dude: Thank you-I'll pass that along.

[Chairman Wood]

Just to make it easier Senator Levin's office number is 202-224-6221

[coachkf]

Busy signal to Frist's office, so I just typed up my letter and faxed it to him. Would be funny if the guy ran out of paper in his machine because he got 9999 incoming faxes griping about this garbage.

I'm from Tennessee... Frist needs a kick in the pants.

[Megenoita]

Does anyone think that Party Poker would be willing to have a message in their chat concerning this? Is that a bad idea?

[Neurotoxin]

Shouldnt a point be made to these people how horrible this will look later on? Some guy I didnt get a chance to vote agaisnt is playing political games to ram through a law that will directly affect millions of americans. Its one thing to pass it after legitimate debate, but when peopel cant play poker and hear this story, why wouldnt tghey be irate?

[Berge20]

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Mr. K

Thank you for your words. I'm not sure where you are on this issue but we have more than a dozen people physically working for us at this moment inside Washington and in Congress. We along with every other major news organization received the same information and we felt compelled to share it with all of you. If you read any earlier postings you'll notice we have been warning everybody that this issue was far from over. Our reports were that something was going to happen but that the DoD bill was out of the question. It may still be but, now's the time for calling...not who's right and who's wrong. I know you care deeply about this and really do appreciate your support. This is Washington...anything can happen.

JayB

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Mr K's point should be well taken. As you say at the end, anything can happen in the legislative process---particularly when the Senate Majority leader is pushing it.

Nothing is certain until conference report is signed, and more importantly filed. Hell, I've seen filed reports have stuff written in or sections entirely crossed off in pencil.

Fast and timely information is important, but it is critical that things are entirely accurate. This is particularly true because we are dealing with a fluid situation that has hourly changes.

In addition, when you are attempting to build a grassroots organization and gain support from the 2+2 community accuracy should be even more important to you.

First is not always best.