Update: Tax Attachment Strategy Abandoned?

Has Reid changed his tactics regarding the online poker legalization initiative? Despite the news that Nevada senator Harry Reid has a master plan to push through a federal bill legalizing online poker in the United States, Dec. 10 was marked by allegations coming from publication Politico that Reid has given up the plan to attach his bill to must-pass tax legislation, the same strategy used by the Republicans to get the UIGEA through a late night session of Congress just before an election recess four years ago. What was reported was that the extensive, 74-page tax cut bill which was observed as Reid's chance to attach his own bill, saw the light of the day without including the internet poker legalization language. In the publication's opinion, such a development is narrowing down Reid's options to pass the bill this year, in which case it will not be welcomed by Republicans, who will dominate the House next year. "Reid could still insert the poker legalization into the tax-cut bill if additional modifications are made before a final vote is cast sometime next week. Or he could slip the plan into a mammoth $1 trillion omnibus spending bill that has yet to be unveiled but is necessary to keep the government funded through September. Any option is certain to generate backlash from the GOP," it was speculated.