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Gov. Bob Riley

It’s time to end “Bingo War” lie and move Alabama forward

It is clear that Alabama’s gaming stalemate has been fueled by political corruption, arrogance, greed, and hubris.
January 28, 2025

Former Riley/Hubbard/Roby communications man launches news site

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter Last Friday, an email notification was sent alerting politicos that a new media company called The Alabama Daily News was coming to Alabama. The goal, according to its newsletter, is to provide much needed, “quality news content, smart analysis, and needed commentary on Alabama politics on a daily basis.” According … Continued
January 2, 2018

Legislature passes prison bond bill

By Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter On Thursday, legislation issuing a bond to fund prisons passed the Alabama Legislature and was sent to the Governor for his signature. But, the Thursday I’m referring to was April 22, 2010. The Governor was Bob Riley, the Speaker of the House was Seth Hammett, and the sponsor of … Continued
March 2, 2017

Experts testify on lottery, VictoryLand and downside of PCI’s tax-free monopoly

By Josh Moon Alabama Political Reporter Governor Robert Bentley’s Gambling Advisory Committee received a crash course on Thursday on the detailed operation of a state lottery and learned the history and tax payments made by the state’s largest non-Indian casino, VictoryLand. Louisiana Lottery president Rose Hudson and New Hampshire Lottery executive director Charlie McIntyre spent … Continued
December 3, 2016

Ethics Commission: Not Subject to Ethics Laws

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter Here’s a little-known fact: The Alabama Ethics Commission is not governed by the laws it is charged with enforcing. That was made abundantly clear when Commissioner Judge Charles Price voted with a conflict of interest at an Oct. 5th Commission meeting. The conflict arose when he voted yes on … Continued
October 12, 2016

Who Has the Moral Authority to Lead Ethics Reform?

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter Even before former Speaker Mike Hubbard’s conviction on 12 counts of public corruption, due to criminal ethics violations, his minions were spinning a narrative that the laws, under which he was indicted, were hastily prepared and passed without question (merely a deceptive plan to cast doubt on his indictment). … Continued
September 19, 2016

Lottery Wars Begin

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Later today, Senator Jim McClendon (R-Springville) will file two lottery bills: one coming from Governor Robert Bentley; the other, crafted by McClendon, with input from his Senate colleagues. Both bills will attract friends and enemies. As the Art of War instructs, “Know your enemy.” The ancient Chinese military strategist … Continued
August 15, 2016

Dues Checks-Off Back On

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Now that the Republican supermajority has successfully brought the once powerful Alabama Education Association (AEA) to heel, it appears the organization will, once again, be allowed to deduct membership dues directly from employees paychecks. According to insiders AEA can still lobby and promote public education, but must “certify” that it … Continued
August 4, 2016

Siegelman Says: Not This Lottery

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Seventeen years ago, one Alabama Governor proposed a lottery amendment to the Constitution. It sailed through the Alabama Legislature and went to the people of Alabama who decisively rejected the proposal. Now a new Alabama Governor, Robert Bentley (R), is proposing a new lottery amendment; but that former Governor, … Continued
August 3, 2016