O.C. Republican Infighting Ends in Uneasy Truce : The Baugh Case: A Primer

Background: The same day voters recalled 13-year Assemblywoman Doris Allen, political unknown Scott Baugh (R-Huntington Beach) was elected to take her 67th District seat. He was supported by two GOP heavyweights: Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Huntington Beach) and Assemblyman Curt Pringle (R-Garden Grove), who was elected speaker on Thursday. Now, the district attorney is investigating Baugh’s ties to Democratic challenger Laurie Campbell, who was accused of being put up by the GOP to siphon votes from Baugh’s chief Democratic opponent, Linda Moulton-Patterson. How the story has unfolded:

Oct. 19: Times reports that although Campbell swore she circulated her nomination papers, several signers say she did not. Baugh denies any connection to Campbell’s campaign, saying, “I had nothing to do with her candidacy.” He denies knowing her, then acknowledges they attend same church.

Oct. 26: Sacramento judge strikes Campbell’s name from ballot, declaring her nomination papers were falsified. A few days later, district attorney investigators try to question Baugh, but he declines to answer until after the election.

Nov. 28: Baugh wins with 45% of vote; Moulton-Patterson finishes second with 32%, and three other GOP candidates divide the rest.

Nov. 30: Times reports Baugh received $1,000 contribution from Campbell’s husband and failed to disclose it in three state-required reports--a possible violation of campaign finance law. It is revealed that Dan Traxler, campaign treasurer for both Rohrabacher and Baugh, had filed an amendment to Baugh’s disclosure form late on election day.

Dec. 7: Baugh admits knowing Campbell for eight years, having worked at same law firm. On the night Campbell filed as a candidate, Baugh says, he returned the $1,000 in cash--rather than by check--to her husband. Baugh says he was unaware envelope contained cash.

Dec. 20: Rohrabacher and Pringle acknowledge aides played roles in Campbell candidacy but say they broke no laws; Rohrabacher aide Rhonda Carmony was “peripherally” involved in efforts to recruit a Democrat to weaken Moulton-Patterson and Pringle aide Mark Denny helped circulate Campbell’s nomination papers.

Dec. 22: Armed with warrant, investigators search Baugh’s apartment. Baugh says he was knocked to ground. Rohrabacher says investigators acted like “Nazis and gangsters,” calls on Dist. Atty. Michael R. Capizzi to resign. Investigators say Baugh was “rude and uncooperative,” deny knocking him down.

Jan. 4: With Baugh seated in the Assembly, Pringle is elected speaker. In an interview, Rohrabacher says he has “no grudge against the D.A.”

Source: Times reports