MotherJones is reporting that 2010 World Series of Poker Player of the Year Frank Kassela (pictured) will look to earn a seat in the House of Representatives by becoming the Representative for Nevada’s Third Congressional District as a Democrat. First, he would have to face fellow Democratic candidate Erin Bilbray in the primary runoff. If he were able to win that race, it is figured that Kassela would take on the incumbent, Republican Joe Heck, for the seat in Washington.

What makes Kassela’s run for Congress interesting is that he only recently affiliated himself with the Democratic Party. Dismayed at the actions by the Republicans in the House over the Government shutdown earlier this month and the party’s stance on social issues, Kassela only registered as a Democrat last week. What platform he might take isn’t known at this time, as his campaign’s website is sparse on policy issues.

Some of his stances, however, might be pulled from his Twitter feed. MotherJones unearthed several Tweets from him during the 2012 elections where Kassela stated, for example, “How do Republicans continue to nominate people to run for Governor, Congress, and Senate who say such crazy things about rape?” and concluded with the hashtag “insanity.” In September 2013, he Tweeted an article about the then-threatened Government shutdown and the proposed actions on Syria.

Kassela has a background that would make him an intriguing candidate. A veteran of the Army Reserves, Kassela has a small business background that could translate to understanding what such businesses need out of the Federal Government. He has also had a good deal of success in his poker career; both of his WSOP bracelet wins came during his Player of the Year run in 2010 and he has earned over $2.4 million from the game.

Kassela has received some support from the poker community regarding his ambitious campaign for the House. Doyle Brunson (pictured) Tweeted his support, but lamented, “Wish he was on Republican ticket.” Kassela responded, “Proud to have your support. I will represent our district well.” Even his first foe, Bilbray, welcomed him to the upcoming battle, saying, “I look forward to seeing you on the trail.” Kassela responded with “Looking forward to a spirited conversation.”

Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District includes an area of South Las Vegas that includes Henderson and most of Clark County. Since it was created in 2003, the district is known as a “fair fight” districtin that it is equally balanced between Republican and Democratic voters. In 2004, then-President Bush narrowly squeaked out re-election (50%-49%) over Democrat John Kerry and, in the last two elections, President Obama has won the district (55%-43% in 2008 and 49%-48% in 2012).

Kassela isn’t the only poker player looking to become politically active. Earlier this month, Antanas “Tony G” Guoga announced that he would run for a seat to the European Parliament as a candidate in Lithuania’s Liberal Party.

“I think that Lithuanian politics needs new people and new blood and I want to change policy,” Guoga said in announcing his candidacy. “I have been fortunate enough myself to be reasonably successful in my life and I have new ideas and hope to inspire others to come into politics too. I think I can bring a lot to the table with my experience in life and business.”

The campaign is currently underway for that seat; the elections will be held in May 2014.

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