TOM HORNE ACCUSER DYBUS ADMITS NO 'DIRECT EVIDENCE' OF CHARGE; HORNE OUTRAGED AT SMEAR

For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Contact: Amy Rezzonico

PHOENIX (April 4, 2012) -- Don Dybus, who has leveled allegations against Attorney General Tom Horne admitted Tuesday that he had no direct evidence to substantiate his claims. The Arizona Capitol Times “Yellow Sheet” reported in its April 3, 2012 edition: "As for the allegations he made in the complaint, Dybus said his belief that Horne illegally collaborated with Winn is NOT BASED ON ANY DIRECT EVIDENCE, but rather on inferences he made." (Emphasis added.)

Horne stated,

“I have been smeared on the front page of every major newspaper in Arizona and on TV and radio newscasts on the basis of ‘no direct evidence’. These accusations are outrageous, untrue, and were
made nearly a year and a half after the election. In the interest of
accuracy and fairness, I would ask that the same media prominence be given to Dybus’ admission that he had no direct evidence.”

Dybus’ own statement raises the question that if he was acting out of ethical considerations, why did he wait a year and a half after the event, when he was about to be fired? Dybus' response as reported by the Capitol Times was that he was "unaware until late last year that Winn had chaired BLS (the independent campaign)".

Therefore, Dybus' claimed 'inferences' were made over a year after the alleged events! This response by Dybus to the 'ethics' inconsistency apparently compelled the 'no direct evidence' admission.

Dybus had also claimed Horne had promised a job to Winn. Horne refuted this with the fact that the job had first been offered to Kim Owens and Winn was the second choice after Owens declined. Dybus is quoted by the Capitol Times as saying he 'didn't believe' this claim.

But the Capitol Times further reports that:

"Owens today supported that claim, telling our reporter that she turned down the job shortly after the election because she preferred to stay in the private sector, and learned several weeks later that Winn was hired."

The Capitol Times story adds:

"Owens also said she 'steered clear' of Dybus during the campaign. 'His personality was uncomfortable to me. He has a very vulgar mouth, to be honest with you,' she said."

Dybus also admitted as reported by the Capitol Times: "Though Collins did tell him that he may be fired, Dybus said it was actually Bistrow and James Keppel, the criminal division chief who abruptly resigned last week, who were trying to get rid of him."

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