Ex-Riley aide: Miss. Indian casinos gave to Riley

Associated Press - November 5, 2009 6:14 PM ET

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.