Iowa former Republican Representative Jim Leach is a man that has caused turmoil among online casinos and online gamblers alike. He helped to write the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act that was passed in October 2006. He lost his seat shortly afterwards by a united effort hosted by online casino members.

The latest surprise by this man is that he just decided to endorse Democrat Barack Obama as US Presidential candidate. Leach said that Obama’s foundation is “old American values that are as much a part of the Republican as the Democratic tradition. Barack Obama’s platform is a call for change. But the change that he so gracefully is articulating is more renewal than departure.” Leach committed his support while helping to launch the group “Republicans for Obama,” and he hopes to bring other Republicans along with him.

Obama, who plays poker himself, has indicated that he is open to a study being done in regulating the use of online casinos.

Though Jim Leach helped to write the bill that intended to ban all forms of online gambling, his words and actions have not been completely consistent as he has attempted to placate sports leagues and horse-racing lobbyists.