Gambling Issue Leads Riley To Endorse Strange For AG In Alabama

The gambling issue in Alabama is showing why nobody is safe in the world of politics. Attorney general Troy King was appointed to the position by Governor Robert Riley back in 2004. Now, Riley is endorsing Luther Strange to unseat AG King in the upcoming election.

AG King was Riley's legal advisor when Riley appointed King to the attorney general position. Apparently, Riley did not like the legal advice he has gotten from King since King won the AG job in the 2006 election.

The gambling issue is one that has divided the entire state of Alabama, so it comes as no surprise that King, who was once Riley's confidant, has had a falling out with the governor. Riley has spent the last year attempting to rid Alabama of gambling, and King did not like the methods Riley was using.

This year, King attempted to seize control of the Task Force on Illegal Gambling that Riley created. His insistence has led Riley to disown the very person he chose for the AG job six years ago. Now, Riley is endorsing Strange, a Republican candidate who agrees with Riley's attacks on the gambling industry.

As recently as this past week, Riley won a major court battle to retain command of the Task Force. The ruling by the state Supreme Court will almost certainly cost thousands of Alabamians their jobs. That will create an even bigger budget deficit for state lawmakers to handle once the governor leaves office.

The election for the Attorney general position will take place this Tuesday, and will largely be decided by the gambling issue. Those who are with the governor in ridding Alabama of electronic bingo machines, will likely vote for Strange, while those in favor of keeping the gambling establishments open may side with King.

May 28, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

Ohio Casino Bills Passed In Senate And House, But Which Will Stand?
AG King Releases Control Of Gambling Task Force In Alabama
Alabama Bingo Gambling Halls Begin Preparations For Raids
More Lawmakers Will Swap Online Gambling Stance As Details Emerge
Riley Receives Permission To Continue Gambling Raids In Alabama