During an appearance on Friday's broadcast of Alabama Public Television's "Capitol Journal," House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) accused some of the opponents of the House of Representatives' recently passed comprehensive gambling legislation of putting out a misleading narrative.
The DeKalb County lawmaker argued the legislation shut down corruption but also said the opposition was coming from illegal operators who declared to be organized crime and those from out of state who have a financial interest in keeping gambling illegal in Alabama.
"No, it's not clear — it's not crystal clear," he said. "And I think this bill makes it crystal clear, and it shuts down on a lot of the corruption. You know, without question there is illegal operators in our state that is organized crime. And I think there is a lot of narrative going on during this bill that is misleading, intentionally — not only from the illegal operators but also from outside sources from other states that don't want to see this bill passed because they're making money off of Alabamians."
"So, no — I think the truth of the matter is it shuts down most of the corruption," Ledbetter added.
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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