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Senator In Ala. Gambling Probe Says No Smith Tape

Montgomery, AL – A state senator who recorded conversations for the FBI in Alabama's gambling corruption probe says he made no tape of indicted Sen. Harri Anne Smith talking about campaign contributions.

Republican state Sen. Scott Beason told the jury Monday that Smith told him in 2009 that he could get $500,000 in campaign funds from gambling interests if he supported pro-gambling legislation.

Under questioning Wednesday by Smith's attorney, Beason said he did not record that conversation. Beason said the conversation was about six weeks before he started helping the FBI by recording conversations.

Smith's defense attorney, Jim Parkman, asked Beason if he heard Smith say anything later about campaign contributions. Beason said no.

Beason is on the witness stand for the third day.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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