Gov. Bob Riley proclaimed war on illegal gambling several weeks ago but failed to choose the state's top legal general as his commander.
Despite the fact that Alabama's laws prohibit gambling, such gambling activities as greyhound racing and operating bingo halls are flourishing.
Riley declared war on bingo and attempted to close thousands of bingo halls with the help of his task force.
Attorney General Troy King, who earlier worked as a legal advisor of Bob Riley, announced that he assumed authority over the task force but was bypassed by Riley who tapped Jefferson County District Attorney David Barber instead.
The conflict between two officials stems from the controversy on bingo as Riley considers them illegal while King thinks some of them do not operate against the laws.
Upon hearing about the Barber's appointment King didn't show any sign of disappointment and expressed support to the task force.
The task force that comprises the Department of Public Safety and the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board was expected to be a helpful resource for local police also meant to prosecute gambling cases -albeit it can look strange taking into consideration the controversy with King.
During a press conference on Tuesday Riley stated that he wasn't fishing for conflict King had created and proclaimed that the task force will go on with its activity.
