For the first time in years, the Democrats seized control of the House of Representatives, demonstrating a sweeping dissatisfaction with the Republican agenda. The Democrats need to win in Montana and Virginia to control the Senate, as well.
As I write this article the day after the 2006 elections, the news services have just proclaimed victory for Democrat John Tester in the Montana race. The results of the Virginia race between Democrat Jim Webb and Republican incumbent George Allen are close, with Democrat Webb consistently holding on to a small but important lead of about 8,000 voter. As the results come in, it looks good for Democrats. (Of course, Republican incumbent Allen didn't help himself when he recently called a man at a rally who worked for Webb's campaign a "macaca," which is an African monkey.)
In all probability, Democrat Webb will win by a small enough margin that Republican Allen will ask for a recount, which will cause uncertainty in the Senate until about December, when the recount is completed.
Nevertheless, the exit polls found that 40 percent of those leaving the polls claimed their vote was a vote against President Bush. A significant number of voters said corruption was a crucial issue in their decision.
How will this election affect poker? As all our readers know, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist snuck the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act into an unrelated bill because that was his personal agenda. Although that process was not illegal, it was immoral, unethical, and corrupt, for which Frist received well-deserved criticism by both parties. Today the American people stood up to be counted, and it sent a clear message to the Republicans that we've had enough of their self-serving antics.
The voters proclaimed discontent with President Bush, his war, his taxes, and his agenda. This means the climate on Capitol Hill has changed. For one, Rep. John Conyers Jr. of Detroit easily won his seat in the House by 84 percent. He is expected to lead the Judiciary Committee, giving him a key platform to voice his views. Remember, Conyers has been the voice of reason regarding online gaming. He has consistently argued for a study aimed at regulating online gaming. He likened online anti-gaming laws to Prohibition. He was also the representative, along with 10 other Democrats, who brought suit against the president, alleging the Deficit Reduction Act was unconstitutional because it wasn't the version passed by the House. Conyers has balls. He's a strong leader, he is a watchdog for the American people, and he wants to regulate the $12 billion-a-year online gaming industry.
The Senate also has its supporters of regulating online gaming and it's time for each of us to write our Congressmen and make our opinions loudly heard. Regulate online gaming!
