Alabama Governor Denies Claim by Former Aid
Published: November 6, 2009
Updated: November 6, 2009
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A former member of Gov. Bob Riley’s
Cabinet says Riley received campaign contributions in 2002 from
Mississippi Indians who operate casinos. He says the money was
intended to limit the casinos’ competition in Alabama.
The claim by Bill Johnson triggered denials Thursday by Riley
aides, the state Republican Party chairman, as well as the former
campaign officials Johnson cited as his source.
Johnson said a senior official in Riley’s 2002 campaign, Dan
Gans, told him the tribe promised $3 million in donations, but
didn’t deliver all of it. Johnson said he was unsure of the exact
amount, but felt it has influenced Riley’s fight to shut down
electronic bingo operations in Alabama.
Gans, however, said Johnson was mistaken and no such
conversation ever took place.
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