Judge: Ala AG holds legal card

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A judge has ruled that Alabama's attorney general has legal authority over the governor's antigambling task force in its efforts to shut down electronic bingo casinos.

Circuit Judge Robert Vance of Birmingham ruled Monday that Attorney General Troy King must advise the court by March 22 whether he supports the task force's closing of a Lowndes County bingo operation and seizure of bingo machines.

Vance cited Alabama Supreme Court rulings that give the attorney general legal power over the governor in such cases. The judge said King has taken a "curious stance" of complaining about task force raids but not exercising his power to stop them if he wants to.