Lee Rousso vs. Washington State Update

Lee Rousso is finding that he is becoming a local celebrity. Since filing his lawsuit against the state of Washington and the unconstitutional law put into place that makes playing poker online illegal, he has been interviewed by may local radio talk show hosts, and has attracted the attention of many others. His effort to reconcile the law has put him into the spotlight across the country and the world.

In a statement released by Lee Rousso on July 13th, he said: "I have been doing the local radio talk show circuit. The public support has been amazing. Both on the left and right, on-air personalities and callers have been unanimous in condemning the law and supporting any action against it. In other words, even if the lawsuit does not prevail (though I think it should), we have seized the upper hand in the political debate. I think the chances of getting legislative relief have improved pretty dramatically." Reflecting on the apparent response he is getting, the attention alone will create some level of relief from the law.

June 6th, Lee Rousso, an attorney, and Poker Players Alliance State Representative, filed a lawsuit in the state of Washington in a determined effort to overturn its ban on internet poker from 2006. Currently he has a hearing date on the judge's calendar set for September 21st. It is Mr. Rousso's intention to have his brief filed with the judge by August 24th.

Rousso is claiming in the suit that the law is a direct violation of the U.S. Constitution's commerce clause. Rousso said that this challenge should be the last one needed as he added, "I think my chances are darn good."

The Constitution's commerce clause forbids states from passing protectionist laws against other states business. Rousso is arguing that the state measure to ban online gambling was passed to protect the in state gambling industry and not to be in compliance with the federal wire act as the state claims, thus putting it in direct violation of the afore mentioned commerce clause.