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23.02.12

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Country Crossing casino developer Ronnie Gilley testified Wednesday that a state senator on trial on corruption charges was his best recruiter for votes for pro-gambling legislation and she frequently sought bribes that she said would sway legislators' decisions.

Gilley said he had three lobbyists working on behalf of his Dothan casino, but none compared to Sen. Harri Anne Smith in getting votes for legislation designed to protect his place from a state crackdown on electronic bingo games.

"Senator Smith was by far the biggest recruiting lobbyist we had in Montgomery," he said. But under questioning by Smith's attorney, Gilley conceded there was a lack of wire-tapped phone calls to back up his claim. Instead, he acknowledged he's on tape saying no deals existed.

Gilley, who pleaded guilty to offering bribes, testified for a fifth day, which made him the longest and most prominent witness since the trial began Feb. 6.

Under questioning by defense attorney William White, Gilley said Smith sought money for Sen. Scott Beason, Rep. Benjamin Lewis and Sen. Kim Benefield in 2009 because she said it would help get their votes. He said Smith, I-Slocomb, sought $500,000 in campaign contributions for Beason, R-Gardendale, and suggested paying off the mortgage of Benefield, D-Woodville.

Source: The Huntsville Times - al.com