Accusations against Wilber were no secret (Democrat Pervert)

Waterbury Republican-American ^ | October 22, 2008 | Jim Moore & Paul Hughes

[Graybeard58]

Allegations that state Rep. George M. Wilber, D-Colebrook sexually abused a young girl were no secret to Democrats, who investigated the claims in 2002 before Wilber then a first-time candidate for the seat he resigned Tuesday took office.

Wilber said he paid the woman who made the sexual abuse allegation to avoid a lawsuit in 2005.

The accusations prompted party leaders to withhold financial and staff support for Wilber's 2002 race, in which he edged out Winsted Republican David A. Cappabianca by 210 votes in a three-way race for an open seat.

Wilber, 63, withdrew from the race for his 63rd House District seat Tuesday, and resigned his position effective Nov. 1. Wilber told reporters he was dropping out Monday, two days after newspaper reports revealed he paid a woman $100,000 in 2005 to settle claims he sexually abused her for seven years, beginning when she was 11. The woman, now 47, has not been named publicly.

Lynn C. Blackwell, who served as administrative chief for House Speaker Moira Lyons in 2002, confirmed that she interviewed both Wilber, then Colebrook's longtime first selectman, and his accuser after a letter containing allegations of abuse was sent to Lyons during the 2002 campaign.

Blackwell said Wilber's accuser was vague about the allegations and was unable to offer strong evidence. Blackwell said she opted not to put any of the party's resources into Wilber's campaign. Blackwell, who declined to name Wilber's accuser, said Wilber denied any wrongdoing.

Campaign finance reports from 2002 confirm the state party did not contribute to his campaign that year. Complete reports for his 2004 and 2006 campaigns were unavailable Tuesday night. Local Democratic town committees did contribute regularly to each of his four campaigns.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell expressed disgust Tuesday over the sexual abuse allegations. Rell said she is dismayed that House Speaker James A. Amann, D-Milford, knew about the allegations and kept silent.

Amann said Monday that he had been briefed about the allegations four years ago, but did or said nothing because no criminal case was pursued.

"The allegations, from what I have read, are absolutely disgusting. And, I'm a little dismayed that the speaker knew about this before, several years before and, to the best of my knowledge, he never told anyone," Rell said.

"I do not know if there has ever been a criminal investigation, or even if one is warranted. But I can tell you the allegations are absolutely shameful."

At least some Republicans had heard the rumor as early as 2004. Lynda Colavecchio, who challenged Wilber in 2004 while serving as a Winsted selectman, said Tuesday that she had heard what she characterized as "rumors" about Wilber.

"There was no proof, there were no facts. No one came forward to me on this," Colavecchio said. "Obviously, I chose not to use it during my campaign feeling that without proper documentation it was useless information. It would only look like poor politics to use it."

Wilber said Saturday he decided to pay his accuser $100,000 in 2005 in order to "take the high road" and avoid a court battle likely to cost a similar amount.

"One hundred thousands dollars is hush money to me. It's not taking the high road," Colavecchio said.

Town records show Wilber and his wife, Gloria, took out a $260,000 mortgage on their home and farm on March 14, 2006. Records do not indicate there was a prior mortgage on that property, which Wilber purchased in 1970. Wilber has confirmed reports that he agreed to settle the claim in December 2005. Wilber denied any wrongdoing and declined to provide more specifics, citing a confidentiality agreement.

Wilber, 63, had been running for a fourth term representing his seven-town district. Amann questioned if the public disclosure of the allegations and settlement were politically motivated. Wilber's resignation means his challenger, Republican John B. Rigby of Colebrook, could have a clear shot at the seat. Democrats were rallying for a last-minute write-in candidate Tuesday afternoon.

The 63rd District includes Colebrook, Winsted, Canaan, Norfolk, Hartland, North Canaan, and parts of Barkhamsted.

[Graybeard58]

Title had to be shortened, here it is:

"Accusations against Wilber were no secret Democrats probed allegations in 2002; withheld cash support"

[Thrownatbirth]

Only a Dem would consider hush money as “taking the high road” and boast about it.

[x]

"Wil-berr!"

Wait till the bit about the horse comes out.