Barney Frank Gains Strength With PPA and PokerStars Support
Barney Frank says that the government’s recent seizure of some $34 million in online poker payouts only strengthens his argument for the legalization, licensing, regulation, and taxation of online gambling in the U.S. Even his primary opponent in Congress, Representative Spencer Bacchus of Alabama, who gives Franks two online gambling bills better odds this time around.
The fact that he faces a Democratic-led Congress this time and not a Republican-led one like last time also helps. Additionally, the National Football League (NFL) which had been working against him last time, may be working with him this time.
Plus, four new cosponsors came on board for Barney Frank’s online gambling bill, bringing the number to at least 17:
* Michael M. Honda of California
* Ed Perimutter of Colorado
* Ciro D. Rodriguez of Texas
* Robert E. Andrews of New Jersey
So it looks like even after losing several big hands, Frank might actually win the tournament for us.
In an effort to help, the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) has a petition going on its website to ask for President Obama support for licensing and regulating online poker. Top poker site Poker Stars has lent its support to the cause, holding exclusive freeroll tournaments for players who sign the online petition. These freerolls will run on PokerStars from the end of June to the end of July. They are capped at 20,000 players each, and each offers a $3,500 prize pool.
Team PokerStars Pro and 2004 World Series of Poker Main Event winner is personally encouraging players to participate in an invitation sent out to PokerStars members.
