By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Dog track owner Milton McGregor has long contended that gambling operations in other states were financing anti-gambling efforts in Alabama. Now, it appears there may some proof to that allegation. An investigation into the lobbying efforts of Indian tribes has revealed a connection between a Mississippi tribe that operates casinos and the Christian Coalition's efforts to block gambling expansion in Alabama. Ralph Reed, former executive director of the Christian Coalition and now a chairman of President Bush's re-election campaign, received money from lobbyists who represented Indian tribes with casinos. Reed helped the Christian Coalition of Alabama defeat a plan that would have expanded video gambling in the state.