Our research shows that two-thirds of the Alabama Legislature, more than 100 lawmakers, have received campaign cash from the Poarch Band of the Creek Indians. One veteran lawmaker tells WVTM 13 that special gambling interests are keeping lottery legislation from passing in Montgomery.

“I think it’s helpful to look in the secretary of state’s website and see what kind of contributions are being made from these gambling interests,” said Sen. Jim McClendon, a Republican from Springville, Alabama.

WVTM 13 poured over hundreds of campaign finance records from the past decade and discovered the Tribe has contributed more than $1 million in direct campaign donations to state lawmakers.