"We imagine only those who view state politics through rose-colored lenses were surprised by the news last week that the Poarch Band of Creek Indians gave $550,000 to a Republican organization that funneled money into Alabama GOP races last year.

The Poarch Creeks operate casinos in Atmore, Wetumpka and Montgomery – the infamous “Indian bingo” facilities bandied about in the acrimonious debate over gambling in Alabama.

Reports released last week show that the Atmore-based tribe gave $550,000 to the Republican State Leadership Committee, a national organization which in turn pumped more than $1 million into GOP campaigns in Alabama in 2010 through various Republican PACs.

State GOP Chairman Mike Hubbard claims none of the money that came into Alabama races from the Republican State Leadership Committee originated with the Creeks."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Strange bedfellows (The Dothan Eagle 10/23)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Poarch Creeks funnel money thru shady system (10/20)
Poarch Creeks one of top donors to Republican committee (10/18)