Country singers, casinos and corruption.....just another day at the Alabama Statehouse

[marmar]

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A federal gambling corruption trial at the Alabama Statehouse could look like a country music concert or a political convention rather than a court case.

The nine defendants in the case that began this week include VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor and four current and former state senators. Prosecutors accuse the group of swapping millions of dollars for votes on legislation that was designed to protect electronic bingo casinos from raids by former Gov. Bob Riley's gambling task force.

Defense and prosecuting attorneys read lists of possible witnesses to potential jurors Tuesday to get their reactions.

Attorneys say they may call country stars George Jones; Lorrie Morgan; and Randy Owen, lead singer for the group Alabama. All three supported gambling legislation called "Sweet Home Alabama" that's at the heart of the trial. Witnesses also may include Riley, former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue and other Southern lawmakers. ................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_alabama_gambling_trial