/ Editor / 22 January 2008 / Leave a comment

MIKE Rose is a retired policeman.

He is sat not at a Las Vegas casino but in a Sierra Vista shop. Welcome to Judge Lee's Arizona Card Room & Social Club.

The place, open every night, is run by Harold S. Lee, a former Maricopa County justice of the peace.

He admits that if state authorities decide his operation is illegal, he cold be arrested.
Attorney General Terry Goddard announced last week that he is considering criminal charges.

Says Lee: "If that's what it takes, let's get this thing in the courthouse. They'll lose because poker isn't (illegal) gambling. . . . I don't think they can get a jury to convict."

On his site, Lee opines: "We need the light of day shined on this disastrous public policy. We have had our true heritage stolen from us. We have had powers and authorities illegally usurped from our charter."

Lee maintains poker is part of "our inherent and inalienable right to liberty in the pursuit of happiness".

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Tags: Crime