Mr. Dalla Goes to Washington

A day on Capital Hill, meeting those involved in the fight to legalize and regulate poker.

Much of my yesteryear was spent on Capitol Hill in Washington.  But I’d only done one previous “lobbying effort” on behalf of poker and poker player rights.

This week we were filming and interviewing for what promises to be one of the more interesting upcoming features for the new television series “Poker Night in America.”  The reality-themed weekly show about poker debuted in late June and can now be seen on CBS Sports Network.

The crew visited the Capitol Hill Club for lunch.  We met Congressman Pete Sessions, the third highest-ranking member of the House of Representatives. Later, we met and interviewed Rep. Joe Barton in his office.  He’s been a true champion for poker players’ rights.  That was just for starters.

We also filmed out in front of the White House (President Obama was too busy to see us).  We paid respects to Abraham Lincoln (well, his statue anyway).  Then, we did happy hour at “Bullfeathers,” where the real business of Washington gets done (it’s a bar).

Once there, we interviewed former Nevada congressman, the honorable Jon Porter.  We were also joined by longtime Capitol Hill correspondent and USA Today writer Vin Narayanan, who is known in poker for his great work at CasinoCityTimes.com.

Later that night, we all gathered for a private poker game which was just steps away from congressional offices.  One wonders what goes on inside some of the old Victorian-era townhouses around the Capitol.  Well, the answer to that is — poker games.  Two tables of congressmen and staffers gathered for their weekly game.  Poker pros Phil Hellmuth and Robert Williamson III even made appearances.

Here’s some impressions that I came away with by end of the day:

— Many people know that I have given the Poker Players Alliance a mixed grade over the years.  I know John Pappas does incredible work, along with the rest of his staff.  However, I questioned the overall effectiveness of the organization, a concern with some validity.  That said, I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by what John Pappas, Brian Spadaro, Drew Lesofski, Rich Muny and others are actually going on the Hill.  The level of integration they’ve accomplished with actual movers and shakers is extraordinary.  They host private poker games, which are well attended.  They mix and mingle with congressmen and senators.  They are an integral part of the Washington lobbying scene.  My respect for the PPA went up dramatically following this visit.

— On the previous point, PPA President John Pappas and I went into the Capitol Hill Club.  This is highly-exclusive “members only” hangout for the most powerful people on the Hill.  Mostly frequented by Republicans, one can’t even get inside unless accompanied by a member of Congress.  Pappas walked in and everyone seemed to know his name.  He shook at least two dozen hands, and everyone called him “John.”  This might not seem like a big deal, but in Washington with many elected officials and everyone vying for their attention and friendships, it’s obvious that Pappas and his staff have actual access to those who make our laws.  Of course, there is still a long way to go with 435 congressmen and 100 senators.  But the PPA is obviously working with tremendous passion to push for pro-poker legislation.  My added take on this is that Pappas works hard and he’s also lobbying for something lots of people actually find interesting (as opposed to let’s say, the insurance industry).

— I interviewed Jon Porter, who used to be my congressman in Nevada.  Frankly, I’ve been a longtime critic of Porter in the past.  Poker insider Steven McLoughlin and I have argued heatedly over this point.  He told me that Porter was really working hard to swing some votes in Congress and was a true believer in the cause.  He now lobbies for 888poker and the online industry.  I recalled a time before when he was on the other side of the issue.  I even had a bristling Letter to the Editor published several years ago published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal which ripped Rep. Porter and his stance, which opposed online poker’s legalization.  Fortunately, Porter is now with us — strongly so.  I realize that in order to win this fight, we need converts.  Badly.  We need people, like Porter, who were once on the other side of this issue.  As a side note, Porter could not have been more gracious and persuasive in hi remarks.  He spent a few hours with us and even had a couple of beers.  I must say that McLaughlin was right.  Porter is a great guy.  He later came to the private poker game, where he insists he’s the fish.  I’m not so sure about that.

— A long time ago, I worked on Capitol Hill for one year.  That was right out of college back in 1985 when I took my first job with the National Republican Senatorial Committee.  So, I thought I was way past the stage of feeling intimidated.  Those butterflies of excitement all came back to me while I was sitting across from Rep. Joe Barton during what amounted to a half-hour meeting and interview.  “Poker Night in America” cameras came into his private office and we filmed the 28-year veteran congressman from central Texas talking about his intense love for poker.  What really impressed me about Rep. Barton is — he supports us at great political risk.  Rep. Barton gets criticized back in his home district for supporting legislation which is viewed as pro-gambling.  He’s also at odds with the leadership of his own party.  I would go so far as to call Rep. Barton a champion of poker.  We certainly don’t agree on much politically.  But Rep. Barton is an important ally in the fight and a very nice man who was gracious enough to spend time with us.  He even told us a few bad beat stories.  Really.

Congressman Joe Barton’s Office

— Dan Mauer is another lobbyist who is doing some great work for poker players on the Hill.  Along with the PPA, he helps to run the private poker game which is in the shadows of the U.S. Capitol Building.  I don’t know how to express this any more strongly than to say the place where the weekly game is held is in such an ideal location, you’d think this real estate would be controlled by oil company or banking lobbyists.  I mean, it’s right across the street from all the congressional offices.  Location.  Location.  Location.

— While standing outside the private game, Congressman Paul Ryan came out from next door.  He was walking along the street and was apparently headed back to Congress.  I approached him and shook his hand.  No selfie, though.  Ryan is probably going to run for President in 2016 and based on what I know, is potentially electable.  We’ll see about that.  Anyway, at least now I can say I’ve met Paul Ryan.  I thought about inviting him to the poker game.  But something told me is was way too busy.

— As for the weekly game, it usually draws 1-3 tables.  Players buy in for $50.  They play low stakes No-Limit Hold’em and occasionally run turbo-tournaments.  Dan Mauer asked all the attendees to identify themselves.  It was like a “who’s who” of staffers mostly, with a few congressmen sprinkled in for good measure.  Very impressive.  One additional point — creating this social atmosphere steps away from the Capitol Building was brilliant.  Most of these offices are boring meeting places with conference tables and chairs, and little else.  Actually putting in poker tables in order to allow the members and staffs to have some fun is not only a creative strategy, but a bona fide example of how poker is a part of American life and culture.

The super secret poker game on Capitol Hill

— A final thought:  Oddly enough, we spent most of the day around Republicans, a party not normally associated with poker-player rights and permissive behavior.  While the party and its leadership still have a long way to go in order to truly be consistent with their mantra of “less government,” I clearly see that poker on the Hill is slowly winning converts to the cause.  Change isn’t drastic.  It’s incremental.  Especially in these parts.  Thanks to the PPA and all those involved for making the day so special.  I expect these feature segments will appear on “Poker Night in America” early next year, although a few snippets could also be inserted much sooner.

With John Pappas, President of the PPA