Sen. Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery

An attorney for Sen. Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery argued Tuesday that recordings did not show an exchange of money for votes on a bill — SB380 — that would have allowed voters to decide the legality of statewide bingo.

During cross-examination of FBI Special Agent John McEachern during the state’s bingo trial Tuesday morning, attorney Lewis Gillis quoted transcripts of phone calls between Ross and VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor made on March 29 and 30, 2010. On the March 29 recording, Ross asks McGregor for a contribution; McGregor says he’ll have to think about it.

The following day — when the bill was voted on — McGregor tells Ross he can’t provide the senator with funds, but offers to reach out to friends to assist him.

“On the 29th of March, can’t we safely say McGregor did not say yes to Ross, even though the vote on 380 would take place next day?” Gillis asked McEachern.

“Correct,” McEachern replied.

“And even on the morning the vote would take place, Milton McGregor said no to Quntion Ross in response to (a request for a) campaign contribution?” Gillis asked.

“Correct,” McEachern replied.

Ross is one of nine defendants on trial over charges that votes on a bingo bill were exchanged for campaign contributions.

Later questioning of McEachern by Gillis on the indictment and statements made by other witnesses brought repeated objections from prosecutors, who argued the indictment was not relevant to the case. Judge Myron Thompson sustained the objections.

McEachern will be cross-examined through the afternoon. Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley is expected to resume the stand later today.

– posted by Brian Lyman