Editorial: Contribution to Tyson should mean nothing

Follow the money. That’s why political campaign contributions are made public … and that’s why so many campaign contributions are also masked.

Voters deserve to know where each dollar comes from. That way constituents understand who, or what industry, favors whom — and whom each candidate could theoretically be
beholden to whom.

It was revealed Monday that state gambling task force commander John Tyson, the Mobile County District Attorney, accepted a $100,000 contribution from VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor during Tyson’s unsuccessful 2006 bid to unseat Troy King as Alabama Attorney General.

Tyson’s bid to strip electronic bingo machines from the Macon County gambling facility in the last few days has drawn the top state headlines.

Ironically, Tyson said last week he was not aware of contributions from the gaming industry.

He suddenly remembered the $100,000 on Monday.

To add fuel to this growing fire, McGregor told the Mobile Press-Register that Tyson asked for $150,000 instead. We don’t know if this request was actually made.

That’s one man’s word in the midst of a heated battle that doesn’t figure to go away any time soon, regardless of what happens to the gaming machines in Shorter. Tyson has not acknowledged the alleged request one way or the other.

But we do know that Tyson accepted the $100,000. That’s a fact.

Contributions are given either because politicians share the same ideals with constituents, or could help make policy that is beneficial for lobby groups representing respective
industries. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours. That’s why it’s so important to follow the money trail.

Tuesday, Gov. Bob Riley, who appointed Tyson to head the task force, stood up for his anti-gambling right hand.

“Alabamians can be proud of John Tyson,” Riley stated. “He has proven he can’t be bought by Milton McGregor or the other gambling bosses in our state, unlike some legislators and others.”

Why did McGregor give Tyson $100,000? Did he share similar political beliefs and values? The sheer fact Tyson was reminded of a $100,000 contribution is troubling.