Dear Member,

As we near the end of 2007, the fight for poker gains momentum.  Since our last newsletter, the PPA has become more involved at the state level, received national media coverage, and we have become an increasingly active and influential force in Washington, D.C.

Our Washington Fly-In and policy conference was a huge success and we made a significant impression on Congress and the media. In just two days of lobbying the “fly-in” participants met with nearly 50 members of the U.S. House and Senate. Several of our meetings resulted in commitments of support and co-sponsorship of H.R. 2046 and H.R. 2610. Click here to see coverage.

As a result of the DC Fly-In, Rep. John Conyers (MI) Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing to discuss Internet gaming in which PPA Representative, Annie Duke ably testified and proudly defended our right to play, letting Congress know we will not lie down and surrender our rights. Click here to see coverage.

At the state level, when unjust laws or campaigns are introduced against poker players, individual players across the country are often the first to hear about them. Our PPA State Directors in Massachusetts, Kentucky, and Washington State have successfully brought attention to such events and continue to fight for America's card game.

Responding to a proposed casino bill criminalizing online poker, MA State Rep, Randy Castonguay helped organize the delivery of more than 1700 letters to State Reps, State Senators and the Governor in less than a week. KY State Rep, Rich Muny led an effort against an anti-poker Governor with calls, letters and emails from PPA members.  WA State Rep., Lee Rousso is entrenched in a legal fight with Washington Courts to overturn a state ban on online poker.

To highlight the importance of state poker rights, ReasonTV and Drew Carey produced a video focusing on a Dallas police poker raid at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1837 that took place in April 2007. The video segment comes in time for the Dec. trial of those arrested and questions the aspects surrounding the raid. Watch the piece here.

Now is a critical time to build on the momentum and coverage of our successful DC Fly-In, House Judiciary hearing on Internet gaming, and state initiatives, and to increase grassroots activism at the state level for 2008. If you haven't already, contact your PPA State Director and let them know you are want to be involved in 2008.

I would also like to introduce our new Manager of Membership Relations, Bryan Spadaro. We are very excited to have Bryan as part of our growing team. With prior DC experience, Bryan brings a passion for both politics and poker. If you have any questions for him, feel free to contact him via the PPA forums.

To help kickstart the PPA forums for 2008 we are having a free raffle for a PPA Poker Table. Create a login at the PPA Forums and make a post in the 2008 Giveaway thread to enter. See rules at the PPA forum. The PPA forums are a great place to post your ideas about things PPA can do and share pertinent information with your fellow PPA members.

We would also like to say goodbye to David "Chip" Reese who passed away this month. Chip was an incredible ambassador of poker and true professional of the game with incredible skill and grace. 

Lastly, we at the PPA would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you and your loved ones a happy holidays.

Proud to play poker,
Alfonse D'Amato, Chairman
Poker Players Alliance