Because Hays was writing about Clinton's hospitalization in New York. Lindlaw, as noted here, was traveling with President Bush and submitted the "report" (lie) from the rally.
I had pointed out consistantly from the beginning that the AP in general, not JUST Hays (he deserved to be contacted for a story with his byline, but not the sole target) should be held to account.
Is this the norm now - by-line goes to the person sitting at a desk 1,000 miles away who not only wasn't there but wasn't even listening? Isn't that what the kid from the NYTimes did?
How did AP explain Hays' name being used as the reporter that filed the original story?