Goodwin Gives Lawmakers Another Democrat Vote to Overturn the UIGEA
The Internet gambling issue will be at the forefront in the Nation’s Capital and leaders of the Democratic party that want online gambling to be legalized and regulated now have a little more ammunition in their arsenal. Carte Goodwin will take over the Senate seat in West Virginia for the departing Robert Byrd.
The Internet gambling debate will start in the House Finance Committee, which is chaired by Rep. Barney Frank who has been on the forefront of the online gambling issue. Frank has proposed legislation that will overturn the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and has set up a blueprint for online gambling regulations. If the legislation makes it out of the House Finance Committee the House will then debate the issue.
If the legislation passes the House the online gambling issue would then go to the Senate. It is the Senate where Goodwin may play a key role in the future of Internet gambling in the United States. The Senate is currently controlled by the Democrats, but they need, pretty much, every member of their party for Frank’s legislation to not be stalled in the Senate. Since Goodwin, who is a Democrat, is taking over a seat of a Republican it gives them another vote for their party in the Senate.
Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz recently stated, “If Frank can get his legislation to a vote before the November elections, there is a stronger chance it will be approved. Having another Democrat on board can only be a good thing for Frank and other Internet gambling regulation supporters.”
Frank has also begun to receive some non-partisan support for his legislation. There have been several Republican lawmakers that have signed onto his bill to legalize and regulate online gambling. Frank’s bill is H.R. 2267 Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act.
West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin wants a vote on the issues to come this November to find a permanent replacement for Byrd’s seat. There are 2 years remaining on Byrd’s term and Goodwin is the early favorite to win the seat election after he was recently appointed the seat.
