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http://www.theonlinewire.com/articleView.aspx?ID=903
Attempts to merge and pass online gambling bills sponsored by Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va and Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa are likely to fail because of conflicting legal issues with the horse racing act.
“I think there can be aspects of it [Wire Act] in the final bill … It will have to be carefully done. We want to do it in such a way that a consensus emerges. We’re hopeful. There are no assurances to anything.” said Rep. Jim Leach to Congress Daily.
“It’s a mess,” replied one gambling industry lobbyist who represents foreign gaming companies.
Goodlatte went out of his way not to offend the horse racing industry, which has strong allies such as Senate Majority Whip McConnell and House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Harold Rogers, both Kentucky Republicans. Goodlatte’s bill was revised to say that “nothing in this act may be construed to prohibit any activity that is allowed” under the horse racing act.
“It’s hard to say which side caved. But the horse guys have real money in this. My guess is that [the] Department of Justice caved,” commented the lobbyist representing gambling operators.
This happens every year.
The devil is in the details.
My prediction is that Goodlatte and company, knowing the hypocrisy of their bill and not wanting defeat, will plan their strategy for next year, especially since the days in Congress are quite limited for the rest of the year, being that it is an election year. Regardless of your political affiliation, the Republican carnage is something that we can all predict, and this will only help our cause, as we move forward. Not sure if Goodlatte and Leach are up for re-election or not, but if they are, I’m sure their only concern at this point, is avoidance of getting ousted.
You missed the best quote, though Dom pretty much summed it up:
Goodlatte’s and Leach’s sponsored bills are very likely to endure the same faith of previous attempts to pass anti online gambling legislations.
I’m not so sure that the word hypocrisy has made it into the politician’s dictionary.
