BULLETIN: Alfonse D'Amato tapped as Chairman of the PPA

[Coy_Roy]

http://www.pokerplayernewspaper.com/...ic&id=1790

BULLETIN: Alfonse D'Amato tapped as Chairman of the Poker Players Alliance
by Wendeen H. Eolis filed under Poker News
Alfonse D'Amato
Alfonse D'Amato

The key players continue to jockey for position in timing the announcements to various media, but the die has been cast; former New York Senator Alfonse D'Amato has been tapped to sit as the Chairman of the Poker Players Alliance. The PPA has grand plans, on behalf of an outraged poker community, to fight for a poker exemption to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. This legislation attempts to end online betting by American-based players. The PPA is putting big chips in the pot with expectations that Mr. D’Amato can turn the tide and re-secure the freedom for adults to play poker in pajamas— with a cyberspace seat in the comfort of their homes.

Two weeks ago, a confidential source who holds a powerful post in the gaming industry told me that it was a done deal. I did not let any grass grow under these feet. I called Michael Bolcerek, president of the San Francisco–based PPA and told him what I had heard. The phone went suddenly silent. He then demurred, saying there was no deal, and insisting I was way ahead of any story that might be appropriate.

As a result of my discussion with Mr. Bolcerek, I held up a report, not the least reason being that soon thereafter, I heard similarly from another source inside the Beltway. I was told, “ D’Amato’s election took place at a meeting he did not attend, and no contract has yet been signed.” In a telephone interview today, Mr. Bolcerek still assures me, “There is no signed contract.” But if I were a betting woman, I’d bet the ranch on this one. You can too. For more of the details that I have learned about Mr. D’Amato’s highly anticipated role and the political maneuvering that is in the works, stay tuned for my fuller report over the weekend.

[Coy_Roy]

http://www.pokerplayernewspaper.com/...le.php?id=1791

UPDATED BULLETIN: Alfonse D'Amato, Leader-in-Waiting
by Wendeen H. Eolis filed under Poker News
UPDATED BULLETIN: Alfonse D'Amato, Leader-in-Waiting

In an exclusive report to Poker Player yesterday afternoon, I wrote about the highly anticipated deal that will call for former Senator Alfonse D’Amato to sit as the chairman of the Poker Player’s Alliance.

It bears more than a mere mention that several bloggers saw that report and jumped on it. While I believe the celebrants are on the right track, the jubilation is a tad premature.

The PPA, is a not–for–profit organization that expects poker players to benefit from Mr. D’Amato’s guidance, as it spearheads an effort to obtain an exemption of poker from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act of 2006.

The recently enacted UIGEA attempts to end online betting by American-based players. The PPA says it will be the poker industry’s champion in its bid to get an appropriate bill into Congress; one that will re-secure the freedom to play poker in cyberspace at a computer in your home—poker in pajamas, if you so please.

The three-term former senator and the PPA reportedly have their outfits ready for the big day. Insiders have received “Save the Date” cards. And I have my dancing shoes at the ready. But the proverbial fat lady has yet to sing, and “it ain’t over ‘till its over.”

Before the collaboration between Mr. D’Amato and the PPA begins in earnest, the protagonists will undoubtedly make a formal written declaration of being and togetherness.

For today, Michael Bolcerek, the San Francisco-based and Washington-savvy president of the PPA continues to assert, as he did in my report of yesterday, “There is no signed deal.” I believe Mr. Bolcerek’s insistent denial of a done deal is more than a technical truth.

In the poker world, where fortunes turn on finite long shots, it is conceivable that the leader-in- waiting could at the last moment turn the tables. But unless he does, the PPA’s inside poker clan looks like it is clinging to a disintegrating secret.

By all accounts, from the most reliable sources (and as first reported by Poker Player), the PPA has proposed its chairmanship to Mr. D’Amato on bended knee. And the three-term senator from New York, who is now the managing director of a consultancy/lobbying firm, is poised to say, I do.

The PPA boasts an estimated 140,000 members, and according to Mr. Bolcerek the organization is growing stronger every day. He tells me he is setting his sights on attracting more than a million poker aficionados in to support the upcoming battle that online gaming sites will face. He has acknowledged that Mr. D’Amato “is a good fit” to lead the way.

For more details on this story, stay tuned to the Poker Player website and look for the next print edition of Poker Player at a casino newsstand near you, Wednesday, February 21, 2007.

See Also the Original Article: BULLETIN: Alfonse D'Amato tapped as Chairman of the Poker Players Alliance

Be sure to stop by: PPA

[BluffTHIS!]

BULLETIN:

Many readers of the legislation forum on 2+2 are still waiting for a resolution of various issues concerning that organization and a discussion on same by the PPA here, that can be found in the following threads:

Two Plus Two Statement on the PPA

Short Follow Up Comment Concerning the PPA

Update from PPA

Why I believe the PPA is refusing to be accountable


If the PPA Prez wants to let Mr. D'Amato take it from here in this forum, I'm OK with that as I'm sure the rest of the posters would be as well.

[LesJ]

[ QUOTE ]
BULLETIN:

Many readers of the legislation forum on 2+2 are still waiting for a resolution of various issues concerning that organization and a discussion on same by the PPA here, that can be found in the following threads:

Two Plus Two Statement on the PPA

Short Follow Up Comment Concerning the PPA

Update from PPA

Why I believe the PPA is refusing to be accountable


If the PPA Prez wants to let Mr. D'Amato take it from here in this forum, I'm OK with that as I'm sure the rest of the posters would be as well.

[/ QUOTE ]

By all means, absolutely yes. We would hate to have good positive news get in the way of you showing your self-importance.

I am quite sure that the former Senator's first step will be to jump on the 2+2 message board and address your concerns.

Why don't you let the ink dry on the contract before you start tearing it apart?

Les

[Wynton]

Eh, I'll repeat what I said when the D'Amato rumors first started.

In brief, I really don't know how much I like this association. On one hand, when he was in power - which hasn't been for a while - he was the supreme political insider, and no one was more effective at getting things accomplished. On the other hand, his image was pretty sleazy too, not exactly the best face for poker. And I don't put it past the guy to take the money and do little actual work.

For now, I will give the association a hesitant, thumbs-up.

[disjunction]

[ QUOTE ]
Eh, I'll repeat what I said when the D'Amato rumors first started.

In brief, I really don't know how much I like this association. On one hand, when he was in power - which hasn't been for a while - he was the supreme political insider, and no one was more effective at getting things accomplished. On the other hand, his image was pretty sleazy too, not exactly the best face for poker. And I don't put it past the guy to take the money and do little actual work.

For now, I will give the association a hesitant, thumbs-up.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't think you can do better than Al D'Amato. He was a United States Senator, it doesn't get better than that as a face for poker. Poker isn't trying to be apple pie, it's trying to be poker, the hobby that you may not personally like but other people do. The game that you play with the guys and go tell the government to mind their own [censored] business. Al D'Amato is fine as a face for that.

As for how hard he'll work and how much he cares, I have no idea, but it's pretty hard to have an idea about anyone else either.

[nineinchal]

He actually sucks at poker, since he never folds. However, he loves to play and is a regular guy.

OK, admittedly he lost the election to Chuck "Schmuck" Schumer for Senator from New York, but that can be a good thing for us poker players. He got the gays their "don't ask, don't tell" policy for military service.

He happens to be a great choice. If anyone can get us our rights to "don't ask, don't tell" for internet poker, its Senator Al.

There is hope after all! Now if he can get us our money back from neteller, like he helped the Halocaust victims get their money back from the Swiss banks, I would even chip dump a few hundred to him on line.

[hollaballa]

[ QUOTE ]
BULLETIN:

Many readers of the legislation forum on 2+2 are still waiting for a resolution of various issues concerning that organization and a discussion on same by the PPA here, that can be found in the following threads:

Two Plus Two Statement on the PPA

Short Follow Up Comment Concerning the PPA

Update from PPA

Why I believe the PPA is refusing to be accountable


If the PPA Prez wants to let Mr. D'Amato take it from here in this forum, I'm OK with that as I'm sure the rest of the posters would be as well.

[/ QUOTE ]

lol, yeah, the chances of a former New York senator and current HUGE lobbyist coming on 2+2 are like....ah, slim to none.

It's been said on here several times that the PPA appears to be supported by things other than players (i.e. the poker rooms and magazines).

Thus, it looks like many at the PPA aren't that worried about answering your questions.

I personally don't give a rip what they do as long as they get poker exempt for the bill.

The PPA is no longer asking players for anything (i.e. its free to join now).....

So why do you insist on continuing to bust their balls and impede their efforts?

[RoundGuy]

[ QUOTE ]
If the PPA Prez wants to let Mr. D'Amato take it from here in this forum, I'm OK with that as I'm sure the rest of the posters would be as well.

[/ QUOTE ]
Bluff, I have absolute respect for most of your opinions and insight, but this is way out in left field.

The last thing I want D'Amato doing is spending his time answering questions on an Internet message board. I want him in the offices of Congressmen and Senators.

[Jerry D]

[ QUOTE ]


The last thing I want D'Amato doing is spending his time answering questions on an Internet message board. I want him in the offices of Congressmen and Senators.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh yeah. There are alot of supernerds whose WHOLE LIFE is dependant on their litte meaningless message board persona. A lot of them need to get out of their grandma's basement and live.