DOTHAN, Ala. (AP) — A former member of Gov. Bob Riley's Cabinet says Riley received campaign contributions from Mississippi Indians who operate casinos and that money is influencing Riley's fight against electronic bingo in Alabama.
Bill Johnson says a senior staffer in Riley's 2002 campaign for governor told him that an Indian tribe that operates two casinos in Mississippi promised $3 million to the campaign, but it didn't receive the entire amount.
Johnson served as grass-roots and logistics coordinator for Riley's campaigns for governor in 2002 and 2006. Riley appointed him director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Johnson resigned that post to run for governor as a Republican.
Johnson spoke Thursday at the Country Crossing entertainment and gambling complex under construction in Dothan. Riley aides did not immediately return a call for comment.
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