Statement by Senator Paul Sanford on the Federal Indictments Handed Down in Montgomery
10/04/2010

"I am saddened to learn that several elected officials and lobbyists have been indicted by a Montgomery federal grand jury centered around the electronic bingo issue from the 2010 Legislative session. Once again, the nation watches as Alabama is in the news for alleged public corruption.

"I ran for the Alabama Senate in a special election in 2009. The cornerstone of my campaign was to end politics as usual in Montgomery. In my campaign literature, I pledged to fight against the 'culture of corruption' in the Alabama Legislature. I have lived up to that commitment.

"Prior to my election in June 2009, I was offered $250,000 for my campaign from a lobbyist hired by electronic bingo proponents in return for what my position was on the 'Sweet Home Alabama' legislation. That underscored all of the fears and perceptions I had about quid pro quo arrangements and back room deals in Montgomery. That is why I contacted the F.B.I. and provided agents with that offer of money.

"With regard to these indictments, we need to let the process work. My hope is that all the facts in this case come to light, that justice will be served, and that we can send men and women of character and integrity to the State Capital in each succeeding election."

Paul Sanford was elected to the Alabama Senate representing District 7 in a special election in June 2009. He has served for only one year in Montgomery where he is recognized as a no-nonsense state senator. He and his wife Danielle own and operate "little Paul's Barbecue" in Huntsville and have two children, Chase and Ryan.