Poker and Obama - Things That Make You Say Hmmm

2008 Democratic Presidential Candidate , Obama Barack does not accept political contributions from lobbyists or political action committees.  However, when he acted as Senator, he did not have any qualms about groups represented by poker players, making contributions. 

Obama, served for the Illinois State Senate for eight years. In 2004, he became the third African American since Reconstruction (a period from 1865 - 1877 following the Civil War during which the United States sought to rebuild and reconnect a divided and damaged nation).

When in Office, he was one of the so-called founders of their legislation meeting sessions poker nights. Although State law says it is illegal to play poker for money, when the games are played at low-stakes, the law is rarely exercised.  

Those who joined in these low-stakes games included Democrats, Republications, Lawmakers and Lobbyists who Obama had at times objected against.  One of the players included a lobbyist for the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, (the game was eventually moved to that association’s office). Known as being a cautious player with a good poker face he was easily able to tune out distractions around him. Since he left Illinois the frequency of the poker games have lessened. Senator Terry Link, who has had the Illinois Democratic seat since 1997 is stated as saying, “I’m hoping that maybe one night we’ll have one in the White House."

A humorous comment had been made by Republication US Senator Bill Brady, of Illinois city where he said "I always used to kid him that the only fiscally conservative bone in his body ever saw was at the poker table with his own money"; Brady went on to comment, "I said if he would be half as conservative with taxpayer dollars, the state would be a lot better off."