Rep Leach's Political Epitaph

While the majority of poker players are fiercly independent, and many don'e even take the time to vote, that all seemed to change in last week's election. Long time Representative Jim Leach -- a 30-year member of the House of Representatives -- was removed from Congress power by Iowa voters Tuesday.

Leach was one of the driving forces who who came up with the plan to prevent banks and other financial channels from funding online gaming. This plan led to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA).

It's ironic in a way, but during his re-election campaign, Leach called the Internet gambling legislation he originated one of his proudest accomplishments during his 30 years in Congress.

Now that proud accomplishment can serve as both a political epitaph for Leach himself as well as a reminder to other elected officials who want to pander to the religious right, that poker players are organized: We vote, and we're bound and determined to send packing any other legislator with plans to enact nanny-state legislation telling us what we can and can't do with our own money, on our own time, and in the privacy of our own homes.