September 2nd, 2008
excerpt:
Conyers, who is uncontested for re-election this year, chairs the House Judiciary Committee, with jurisdiction over gambling issues. He’s now the fourth-biggest recipient of contributions from gambling and casino interests in the House — and the top non-Nevadan.
About $34,000 of Conyers’ total came from a fundraiser in November in Las Vegas, according to federal campaign documents. Among those who wrote checks to Conyers’ campaign were professional poker superstars Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson — winner of 10 World Series of Poker bracelets — and Phil Ivey — winner of the $1 million prize at the Monte Carlo Millions tournament who has been dubbed “the Tiger Woods of Poker,” documents show.
Mark Tenner, a gaming consultant in Las Vegas, said he and the Pokers Players Alliance — with more than 1 million players — hosted the Conyers fundraiser at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas in November.
“We are trying to get poker federal law in the United States to tax, license and regulate poker (for money) on the Internet,” said Tenner, adding that about 25 people attended the fundraiser.
John Conyers, as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, has been supportive of that effort.”
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Lawmakers get gaming boost
Author Contact Info: Deb Price, The Detroit News
