If you want anonymity in CA, you're definitely not going to get it w/out asking for it.

While I was responsible for getting a TX Lottery rule changed (about being paid w/ a money order and having the fee taken out of the winnings) I knew that it would take an act of the Texas Legislature to change the law requiring the disclosure of winner's names. I emailed and then phoned my representative, pleading for anonymity. He told me he was against the lottery on moral/Christian grounds (I didn't want to antagonize him, so I bit my tongue on that) but he did say he'd pass it along to a colleague. While I doubt I was personally responsible or had much at all to do with it, within six months or so the law allowing anonymity (for prizes one million bucks and above) was being voted on.

You never know; sometimes our representatives DO listen to us.

Even if you cannot claim anonymously, I can see no upside to "putting yourself out there", esp. if you are not required to do so.

cheers 2 the day we can all remain anonymous for prizes over a million =)

Thanks mikeintexas and hearsetrax for your thoughtful replies.