As most of us are all too aware, the games industry in the United States is no stranger to attempted legislation attempting to restrict the sale or the content of games. So far, the industry has done a pretty good job of striking down laws which attempt to infringe upon rights of free expression. The Entertainment Software Association, headed by the outspoken Doug Lowenstein, has been the primary watchdog. However, industry trade groups Interactive Entertainment Merchants Association and Video Software Dealers Association, both of which sometimes get involved with ESA efforts to block game legislation, have decided to go straight to the source: Washington, DC. The IEMA and VSDA recently hired a federal lobbyist named Stuart Spencer to represent the industry's interests in the nation's capitol.

Spencer was most recently principal and general counsel of the Stanton Park Group, of which he was a founding partner. During his stint with the bi-partisan lobbying firm, he represented a variety of technology and health care clients. From 1996-2003, Spencer worked for U.S. Representative Louise Slaughter (NY), eventually rising to chief of staff and minority staff director for the Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process of the Rules Committee. He is a graduate of Princeton University and Tulane Law School.

In terms of industry-targeted laws which are proposed at the national level, Spencer is the first line of defense. "Interactive media and home entertainment are high-tech sectors that are changing the entertainment landscape," he said. "I look forward to being part of the team that works with policymakers to support the continued innovation and growth of this industry."