Alabama: Gilley bought votes

ALABAMA GAMBLING TRIAL

Gilley describes underside of Ala politics

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) A casino developer who pleaded guilty in a vote-buying scheme is describing the underside of Montgomery politics to federal jurors in Alabama's gambling trial.

Country Crossing's Ronnie Gilley testified Friday about giving campaign money to legislators to sway their positions on issues. He says indicted state Senator Harri Ann Smith of Slocomb told him "I'm yours" after he gave her as much as $40,000 in donations.

Gilley says he got millions in loan promises from competitor Milton McGregor and was worried about former Governor Bob Riley listening to his phone calls. Gilley says he and McGregor both used prepaid cell phones so their calls couldn't be traced.

He also says an aide to former Attorney General Troy King advised him to show people in Montgomery "the color of my money."