Montgomery, AL – Defense attorneys for four current and former state senators accused of selling votes on pro-gambling legislation say no bribery ever occurred.
The lawyers gave their opening statements Friday in federal court in Montgomery.
An attorney for former Republican Sen. Jim Preuitt says Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley did offer help financing Preuitt's campaign, but Preuitt refused. Gilley has pleaded guilty and will testify for prosecutors.
An attorney for Democratic Sen. Quinton Ross says there was no need for anyone to offer him money because he had supported gambling legislation since being elected to the Senate in 2002.
An attorney for independent Sen. Harri Anne Smith says he's grateful for FBI recordings because they won't show any wrongdoing.
A lawyer for former Democratic Sen. Larry Means says he got no money.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)