Indian Gaming > Alabama governor accused of taking gaming funds

November 6, 2009

Alabama governor accused of taking gaming funds

A Republican candidate for governor of Alabama says Gov. Bob Riley (R) accepted "millions of dollars" from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

Bill Johnson served in Riley's Cabinet and was part of Riley's campaign staff in 2002 and 2006. "We received money from the Mississippi Indians — millions of dollars," Johnson said at a press conference yesterday, The Dothan Eagle reported.

Johnson said the donation was funneled through national Republican political committees. The link has been confirmed by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee investigation of Jack Abramoff

Riley has repeatedly denied knowing the source of the funds and says the money has not influenced his crackdown on electronic gaming in Alabama. He also has refused to negotiate a Class III gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

When Riley served in Congress, his press secretary was MIchael Scanlon, who pleaded guilty to defrauding tribes out of millions of dollars.

Get the Story:
Gov. candidate Bill Johnson believes Riley influenced by Miss. casino owners (The Dothan Eagle 11/6)
State leaders disgree on bingo (The Crimson White 11/6)
Support Turns into Verbal Bash (WTVY-TV 11/5)
Ex-Ala. gov aide: Indian casinos gave to governor (AP 11/5)