Halter - Pornography & Gambling Issues

Bill Halter website identifies him as a family man and member of the Catholic church. Why then do we see "gray cloud" surrounding Halter and his campaign? Why do we hear the words pornography and gambling linked continually with Halter? One reason seems to be his prior paid position on the board of directors for Akamai Technologies, Inc. before running for office. Another his support for the Lottery and for gays adopting children.

When "googling" the words "Akamai Technologies" and "pornography," it doesn't take long to see that Akamai Tech made millions via pornography and gambling. In the primary, many Arkansans got the first whiff of this issue when Halter's democrat opponent Tim Wooldridge identified the issue which was picked up by the Associated Press (AP) in June, 2006: Lt. Gov. candidate criticized over business ties. Tim Wooldridge criticized Bill Halter for "profiting from online gambling and internet pornography" by sitting on the board of Akamai Technologies, Inc. The AP reported that Halter had served on the company's board since August 2001 and that Akamai spokesman Jeff Young says the company will "phase out its relationship with adult-oriented sites." Wooldridge said that the company has "long-term business relationships" with the adult-oriented sites.

Another interesting source on Akamai Technologies was from an Internet Gambling Magazine (caution on link) which reported in 11 Dec 2002 (20 days to 2003), that "Akamai Technologies has begun phasing out delivery of porn and gambling sites via servers installed at universities and colleges." An Akamai spokesperson would not comment on specific servers but reiterated Akamai's official line that it is phasing out its relationships with three gambling sites and with porn sites. He could not say whether the changes are permanent. Akamai says it is no longer seeking business from pornography sites or gambling sites ... but has not said when it expects to be out of the business.

Halter won the Democrat Primary over Tim Wooldridge. Has the AR Democrat Party moved so far left that it has left its voter base? With its recent platform change rejecting traditional marriage, Halter's statement at the first debate that he supports adoption by gays, and his past association with the pornography industry and gambling, many Democrats will face a dilemma for the Lt. Governors race. They can vote for Halter who is far left than their beliefs, vote for Jim Holt who is more in align with their beliefs, or they can "gamble" by not voting at all.