A Republican state lawmaker is introducing legislation to put new restrictions on campaign contributions from gambling interests.

Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, announced at a press conference this morning that he would sponsor a bill to prohibit candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, and the Legislature from receiving contributions from anyone connected to racing, pari-mutuel betting, or any other gambling operation.

The bill would also prohibit those connected to the gambling industry from making contributions to candidates for those offices.

McClendon said his bill is aimed at curbing the influence of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which operates three electronic bingo casinos in Alabama.

“The purpose of this legislation is to get things in Alabama back in balance,” McClendon said.

McClendon has tried unsuccessfully to pass legislation allowing voters to decide whether to establish a state lottery. Representatives of the Poarch Band have said they are not opposed to a traditional paper lottery but are opposed to a lottery bill that would include electronic lottery terminals at the state’s dog tracks, like one McClendon sponsored last year.

“I am not making claims of undue influence based on monetary contributions, but we must be wary of the appearance of undue influence based on campaign contributions,” McClendon said.

The legislative session begins today. Lottery legislation and other gambling issues are expected to be among key topics for lawmakers.

McClendon said an Alabama law that prohibits utilities from donating to candidates for the Public Service Commission shows that restrictions on campaign contributions from certain sources are not new in the state. He also said other states have restricted campaign contribution from gambling interests.