Alabama Gov. Bob Riley (R) says the judge who ruled in a non-Indian bingo case should step down due to prior work for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Riley wants the Alabama Supreme Court to set aside a ruling by former justice Mark Kennedy. He said Kennedy has an interest in the case because it could help the tribe's Class II gaming efforts. "We believe the judge should have recused himself because of his conflict of interest," the governor's office said in a statement on Saturday after Kennedy ruled that the non-Indian bingo hall could reopen. Kennedy didn't work on gaming matters for the tribe, an attorney for the non-Indian bingo hall said. He worked on an economic development project, according to the attorney. The Governor's Task Force on Illegal Gambling raided the bingo hall and seized more than 100 machines. The state claims the devices are slot machines. Get the Story:
Riley seeks to block ruling on gambling center (AP 3/30)
Governor wants bingo ruling tossed (WSFA 3/30)
Alabama Governor Shows Ugly Side Of Politics In Gambling Case (Casino Gambling Web 3/30) Some Letters:
Speak Out ... Save me from myself (The Anniston Star 3/31)