Support Turns into Verbal Bash
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Posted: 7:57 PM Nov 5, 2009
Support Turns into Verbal Bash
What was introduced as a campaign to show support for country crossing, turned into a verbal bash today in Dothan. A former aide to Alabama Governor Bob Riley is criticizing the governor on his stance on electronic bingo.
Reporter: Vanessa Araiza
Email Address: vanessa@wtvy.com
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Gubernatorial candidate Bill Johnson made his way to country crossing Thursday morning.

It was in an effort to express his support for the entertainment complex and the legal bingo machines that many are hoping will follow.

But it wasn't the support for the machines and the public's choice to vote that are now causing choppy waters. It's his statement as to why Governor Bob Riley is against bingo.

His theory back in 2002, Johnson says while he was working on Riley’s campaign they received millions of dollars from Mississippi casino owners.

Because of that, Johnson says there is a deal between Riley and the Indians.

If country crossing comes in, the Indians, Johnson claims Riley is protecting, would lose profit to Houston County.

"I'm concerned that the Mississippi casino, Indian casino owners will continue to choke off economic development in the Wiregrass region, it's time for Governor Riley to back off and let the people decide on the future of bingo in Alabama," says Gubernatorial candidate Bill Johnson.

Of course, with harsh allegations towards Riley and his campaign, the governor released this statement.

"If he’s willing to tell such outrageous lies just to get attention, it almost makes you feel sorry for him. His desperation for publicity is just plain sad. The more insignificant his campaign gets as staffers quit, the more ridiculous his lies become."

In addition to Riley’s response, Mike Hubbard, a top adviser in Riley’s campaigns says Johnson’s allegations are a joke.

He adds, Johnson’s role in Riley’s campaign was handing out yard signs, bumper stickers and brochures.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, gubernatorial candidate Ron Sparks says he commends Johnson for bringing to light what he calls "Bob Riley’s hypocrisy on gambling."


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