Senator Jon Kyl, one of the most vocal and influential opponents to the legalization of online poker in the United States, plans to announce that he will not seek re-election when his term lapses in 2012.
First elected to the Senate in 1994 from Arizona, Kyl is one of the top ranking Senators in the Republican party, and is influential in finance and defense legislation.
He has stated his reasoning for retiring simply: time.
Senator Kyl has been one of the strongest supporters of the UIGEA since its proposal in 2006, and has argued vehemently against legalization of online gambling in the United States. His retirement may be a win for the PPA and everyone in the online poker industry.