Video Poker Lobbyists Influential

Video poker laws were bound to change in the southern state of North Carolina, considering the pressure being applied by the Sheriff's organization and a number of lawmakers, but six newcomers to the world of political lobbying made their names by helping those changes come about. Don Beason, Jack Cozort, Theresa Kostrzewa, Andy Ellen, General Rufus and Meredith Norris all benefited when the laws changed, prompting at least some to point out that good things came from video poker in NC after all. In 2007 a new law will move into effect that requires lawmakers who leave office to wait at least six months before hiring out as a lobbyist.