Dallas County Republican Party

June 2, 2010

In the latest bizarre twist in the ongoing Constablegate scandal, First Assistant DA Terri Moore announced today that Judge Don Adams had appointed former Democrat State Representative Ted Lyon as a special investigator to investigate “a scheme to implicate public officials, including [Watkins], by lying to investigators.”   Mr. Lyon will also, apparently, investigate Constablegate.

Where to start?

First, Mr. Watkins has refused to acknowledge the existence of a investigation into Democrat constables Cortes and Evans since receiving allegations against them in February 2008.  Meanwhile, he had no problem having a public press conference one week after receiving a single allegation made by one individual.  Mr. Watkins’ selective release of public information seems to be tied to his own political fortunes.

Second, the timing of this appointment is highly suspect.  The appointment comes only one week after then damaging discovery that Mr. Watkins had received a memo in February 2008 from County Auditor Virginia Porter detailing allegations against the Democrat constables. 

Third, it is hard to see how Mr. Lyon is the most qualified person to take on this role.  Mr. Lyon is a partisan Democrat who has donated to many Democrat officeholders, including Craig Watkins.  Mr. Lyon is also civil litigator who specializes in medical malpractice, wrongful death, and toxic tort cases.  

In the end, this decision appears to be motivated by politics.  This is not being “smart on crime.”  This is a desperate attempt by a failing politician to divert the public’s attention from his political quagmire. 

In his press release, Mr. Watkins complains that he is a "potential victim."  No, sir.  The real victims are those whose cars were illegally towed by towing companies who allegedly had special relationships with the Democrat constables.  The real victims are the police officers who work tirelessly in Dallas County to build cases, only to have your office reject them.  The real victims here are the citizens of Dallas County who have had to endure the games from your office.  There have been plenty of victims as a result of your actions or inactions, Mr. Watkins, but of them is certainly not you.

Dallas County deserves better leadership from its elected officials.  This November, help us sweep out corruption at every level.   This November, vote Republican.