HUNTSVILLE — Following a recent Madison County Republican Men's Club meeting, former Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl, candidate for lieutenant governor, spoke to 1819 News about the growing presence of "dark money" from out-of-state gambling interests in Alabama's elections.
"Every organization in the state that is engaged with a political action committee files with the Secretary of State's office," explained Wahl. "It's transparent for the people, and the fact that we have out-of-state special interests who are coming in here and not being held accountable is a problem."
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He continued, "It shouldn't even be about whether you disagree or disagree with gambling. This is about the people of Alabama having the same level of clarity that we require for everyone else. This is a massive, massive issue. As lieutenant governor, it would be a big priority for me because one of my most important issues is government transparency, and it's returning the power to the people. That's what makes good government. Good government serves the public good. They don't hide things."
According to Wahl, current Alabama law, if enforced properly, can address the issue of dark money in state elections.
"With this problem, I think the laws are already on the books. All we have to do is enforce those laws right now and hold people accountable," continued Wahl. "I believe in the rule of law. I think that's what we need to see. These dark money groups, wherever however should be looked at, and these concerns should be addressed, not just for the candidates facing this in the races but also for the voters, the transparency laws were originally made for."
Wahl believes gaming in Alabama would have not only moral consequences but also governmental ones.
"You look at that kind of dark money just being spent to push gaming on the people of Alabama, and if those doors open, more money and influence are going to come, especially from out-of-state gaming interests," Wahl added.
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