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Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Tribe Begins Ad Campaign for Gambling Monopoly

  By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—The Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI) have begun what is reportedly a $4 million dollar advertising campaign to win the right to hold a monopoly over gambling in Alabama.  Full page ads began appearing in State newspapers. Even the small market of Lee County, home district of … Continued
June 29, 2015

Bentley Said, “Let the People Vote”

  By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter  MONTGOMERY— Candidate and first-term governor Robert Bentley wanted to let the people vote. But, in his second term, hearing from the people doesn’t seem to be a desired option.  Campaign literature from 2010 states Bentley’s position on gambling: “As a member of the Alabama Legislature, I have opposed … Continued
June 9, 2015

When The Shoe Is On The Other Foot: Opinion

  By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter Just four short years ago, as Chairman of the State Republican Party, Mike Hubbard penned an opinion piece for his hometown paper, lauding Federal prosecutors for the arrest of four-sitting lawmakers. Writing in October, 2010, Hubbard said, “The arrests and convictions of numerous public officials is happening much … Continued
May 18, 2015

Hubbard Tax Career Killer (Opinion)

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter The Special Order Calendar set to be heard in the House today, could endanger the political careers of every Republican member of the State House of Representatives. Speaker of the House, Mike Hubbard, has forced through a package of tax increases that will test the mettle of House Republicans, … Continued
May 12, 2015

Exclusive Poll Shows Voters Favor Vote on Gambling, Strongly Oppose Taxes

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—A statewide poll commissioned by the Alabama Political Reporter shows Governor Bentley is still very popular, but not as popular as a vote on a lottery and Las Vegas-style gambling. Governor Bentley’s biggest weakness may very well be his plan to raise taxes, a plan overwhelmingly disfavored by Alabama … Continued
May 10, 2015

State Constitution, Case Law, Calls for Legislature, Voters to Approve Exclusive Gaming Compact

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Lobbyists for the Poarch Creek Indians (PCI) have reportedly been telling members in the State’s House of Representatives that the Governor has the authority to sign an exclusive gaming compact with the Tribe, without authorization from the Legislature. However, the State’s 1901 Constitution, as well as case law, would … Continued
May 7, 2015

Hubbard Plan Will Raise Taxes, Give Poarch Creek Tribe Monopoly (Opinion)

  By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—In a stunning move of political one-upsmanship, Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard announced that the House Republican Caucus has agreed to an alternative plan, just minutes after Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh released his omnibus gaming bill. Hubbard’s plan to raise taxes and raid the Education … Continued
May 6, 2015

Marsh’s “Let The People Vote” on Gaming/Lottery Bill Has Opposition

By Susan BrittAlabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Tuesday, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) proposed a bill that would allow the Alabama voters to decide whether they want Class III gaming and a lottery.  Marsh’s bill, if passed, would require favorable referendum votes to become an amendment to the Alabama Constitution. However, on Tuesday, a plan, … Continued
May 6, 2015

Political, Personal Interests Will Likely Decide Gaming Fate (But Should It?)

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—The future of gaming in Alabama will be a battle between competing businesses, personal and religious interests. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) has proposed legislation that would allow competition for gaming revenues between the Birmingham Racecourse, VictoryLand, Greenetrack, and locations owned by the Poarch Creek Indians (PCI). … Continued
May 4, 2015

Marsh Releases Omnibus Gaming Bill, with Opposition on Fifth Floor

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—On Thursday, President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) released a copy of his omnibus gaming bill, which would authorize gaming at certain locations throughout the State. (See bill here.) There are many obstacles to Marsh’s plan, but the greatest is coming from Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn), … Continued
May 1, 2015