Debate Grows As Alabama Lottery Vote Nears

By Jessica L. Sandham

As an Oct. 12 vote nears on whether to create a state lottery for Alabama, both advocates and foes of the plan are looking no farther than neighboring Georgia to make their case.

Like Georgia lottery backers, supporters of the Alabama plan say it will bring in more money to spend exclusively on college scholarships, pre-kindergarten programs, and technology in schools. And opponents argue that it will establish a program paid for disproportionately by poor people, while encouraging problem gambling.

Two recent polls show Alabama's pro-lottery camp ahead by a comfortable margin, with roughly 60 percent of respondents indicating support. But the various grassroots groups that have organized to combat the plan, which is backed by Gov. Donald Siegelman, say they will fight...