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Senator Ask Casino Owner For Money In Recording

Montgomery, AL – A state senator asks a casino developer for $400,000 to help her political campaign in a recording played for jurors at a federal corruption trial in Montgomery.

Prosecutors played the audio for jurors Friday in the trial of state Sen. Harri Ann Smith of Slocomb. She's among nine people accused in a vote-buying conspiracy involving gambling legislation.

In a recording of a phone call between Smith and Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley, Smith says she needs $400,000 to purchase campaign advertising. Gilley tells her not to worry, that he'll get her the money.

In all, Gilley says he either gave or directed about $600,000 to Smith. Gilley says the money was a bribe for her support on gambling bills, but Smith denies any wrongdoing.

Gilley already has pleaded guilty.

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

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