The Arizona attorney general's office has designated Solicitor General Dave Cole to head an investigation into allegations that Pinal (pih-NAL') County Sheriff Paul Babeu (BAB'-yoo) abused his power.
Attorney General Tom Horne told The Arizona Republic (http://bit.ly/AecWyW) on Wednesday that he'll recuse himself from the probe because he and Babeu have supported each other politically in the past.
Horne says it's typical for a solicitor general to step in when the attorney general has separated himself from an inquiry.
Babeu is running for Congress in Arizona's conservative 4th District.
He has requested a comprehensive independent investigation into allegations made against him and his office.
Last weekend, Babeu acknowledged he is gay after a former boyfriend alleged he was threatened with deportation if he ever exposed their relationship.
