Dupnik recall in flux, Tea Party accused

In April, the county election's director received an email from the committee which is trying to recall Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik.

It read.. "please withdraw our statement of intent to recall Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik effective immediately."

It was sent by Dan Baltes, a Utah Internet talk show host who started the recall on January 28th.

Baltes says he started the recall after the sheriff's speech following the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrille Giffords.

Then on the afternoon of May 5, another email from Baltes.

This one says "We have decided not terminate the committee as this time."

So which is it?

News 13 received an email which says "We are no longer accepting donations or actively collecting signatures..."

It goes on to say "..we are not terminating the committee at this time.."

Seems Baltes, has filed a complaint with the elections department charging the Tucson Tea Party, Trent Humphries and Alexandrea Merrell for violations of Arizona campaign finance laws.

Humphries is the founder of the Tucson Tea Party and Merrell is host of a radio show. She is also writing a book about Baltes where she charges him with numerous frauds and scandles.

When asked about the finance violations Baltes says, "..we will not make any public statements or comments at this time."

As for the recall, it will be up to the county attorney to determine if the first email stands and the recall ends or whether a new effort must be undertaken if Baltes has changed his mind.

Baltes needs to turn in 90,000 valid petition signatures by May 24th for the recall to go forward.

In papers released by the elections office, Baltes has collected $4,478.72 for the recall. More than half of that comes from Americans Against Immigration Amnesty, a group which Baltes fronts.

Only five of the 28 donors are from the Tucson area and have ponied up just $195 altogether.

The Phoenix Tea Party has donated $500.

The expense report which lists the Riviera Hotel, Orleans (assumed to be in Las Vegas) and Kinkos, is incomplete.