Scott Baugh Explained

Scott Baugh
Office:Minority Leader of the California Assembly
Term Start:April 6, 1999
Term End:November 9, 2000
Predecessor:Rod Pacheco
Successor:Bill Campbell
Office1:Member of the California Assembly
from the 67th district
Term Start1:November 29, 1995
Term End1:November 30, 2000
Predecessor1:Doris Allen
Successor1:Tom Harman
Birth Name:Scott Randall Baugh
Birth Date:4 July 1962
Birth Place:Redding, California, U.S.
Party:Republican
Spouse:Wendy Baugh (m. 1997)
Children:1
Education:Liberty University (BS)
University of the Pacific (JD)

Scott Randall Baugh (born July 4, 1962) is an American attorney and politician. He is a member of the Republican Party. He served in the California State Assembly[1] and served as the chair of the Republican Party in Orange County, California, from the early 2000s to 2015.

Baugh attended Liberty University and McGeorge School of Law. After graduating, Baugh served as an attorney in private practice in Huntington Beach. Baugh entered politics after a recall was initiated in 1995 for the 67th district of the state assembly;[2] he served as minority leader of the California Assembly.[3] After leaving office, he became the chairman of the local Republican Party.

Baugh, the Republican nominee for California's 47th congressional district, is running against Democratic nominee Dave Min in the 2024 election.[4] He lost once again, this time to Min.[5] [6]

Early life and education

Scott Baugh was born in 1962 in Redding, California, to Helen and Cason Baugh.[7] Baugh grew up on a 10-acre farm in Redding, California. His father ran a linen supply business, and also leased ranchland. He was the fourth of five children.[8] [9] Baugh played as a middle linebacker on his high school football team, earning the nickname "Dr. Death" for his onfield prowess.

In 1984, Baugh earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Liberty University, graduating summa cum laude. During his senior year in college, he served as an intern for a congressman on Capitol Hill.

In 1987, Baugh earned his Juris Doctor, with honors, from the McGeorge School of Law.[10] After graduating from law school, Baugh became an attorney in Huntington Beach, California.

Career

Lawyer

After graduating from law school, Baugh went into private practice with a law firm in Sacramento, California. He later joined the corporate office of Union Pacific Railroad.

Assemblyman

In 1995, Baugh ran as a replacement candidate for the recall of Assemblywoman Doris Allen.[11] [12] [13] The recall election took place on November 28, 1995, and Allen was recalled with 65.19% voting to recall her.[14] [15] [16] Baugh was endorsed by Governor Pete Wilson, the Republican Party of Orange County, the Orange County congressional delegation, and Republican members of the state legislature.[17] Baugh won the replacement election, getting 40.9% of the vote.[18]

Later, Baugh was involved in a controversy around the election that had legal ramifications.[10] He was subsequently indicted.[19] Most of the original charges against Baugh were dismissed[20] [21] after a local judge ruled that the prosecutor's office had engaged in prosecutorial misconduct by failing to present exculpatory evidence to the grand jury. The key witness was found to be "unreliable". The case was eventually turned over to a different prosecutor after a local judge found that the original attorney engaged in "grave misconduct". California Attorney General Bill Lockyer eventually requested that the judge overseeing the case dismiss[22] [3] the criminal charges after the case deteriorated in light of the evidence. The case was referred to the Fair Political Practices Commission by the attorney general which eventually levied a fine for civil infractions.[23]

While serving in the state legislature, Baugh focused his attention on judicial reform,[24] liability laws and health insurance. Additionally, he authored a number of bills that focused on safety for minors.

1997

During his time in the State Assembly, Baugh worked against state regulation, including getting a bill passed that exempted new cars from smog checks for the first five years.[25] [26] This legislation is believed to have saved Californians 350 million dollars.

Serving as the vice chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, he helped pass legislation that helped repair an eastern section of the San Francisco Bay Bridge.

Assembly Leader

Baugh was elected by his Republican colleagues to serve as Assembly Republican Leader in April 1999,[27] a post he held until he was termed out in December 2000.[28] Baugh's term as leader was characterized by members of both parties as successful as he consistently reached across the aisle. As leader, he sponsored legislation on grand jury reform and police officer training on the rights of suspects.

Orange County Republican Party

On April 19, 2004,[29] Baugh was elected chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County, succeeding Tom Fuentes.[30] Under his leadership, the party moderated its positions and repaired relations with state and national Republicans.

In March 2007, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, seeking the GOP nomination for president in 2008, announced that Baugh would serve as a member of his California statewide finance committee.[31] [32] In this capacity, he raised over $2 million for Romney in Orange County.[33] [34]

Baugh supported Romney in the 2012 presidential election. During the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries, Baugh served as a California delegate.[35]

In January 2015, Baugh stepped down as party chair and was succeeded by Fred Whitaker.[36] [37] [38]

U.S. House of Representatives

2022

After redistricting took place in 2021,[39] Baugh was the Republican candidate for California's 47th congressional district in the 2022 election.[40] He ran under the endorsement of several Republicans, including then House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. He advanced to the general election, where he lost to incumbent Democrat Katie Porter.[41] [42] He lost by 9,000 votes and was out fundraised by Porter 28 million to 3 million.[43] [44]

2024

See main article: 2024 California's 47th congressional district election.

Baugh is the Republican candidate for California's 47th congressional district in the 2024 election.[45] The seat is open in 2024 as incumbent Katie Porter ran for a U.S. Senate seat, but lost. Baugh advanced from the March 2024 primary election.[46]

Political positions

Abortion

After the Dobbs decision, Baugh has described abortion as a “state-by-state issue".[47]

In 2022, Baugh stated “Life begins at conception. Others may disagree as to precisely when life begins, but there should be no disagreement as to whether it is OK to abort children who have reached the point of viability. We need to promote a culture of life in America – not a culture of termination.”[48]

Balanced Budget

Baugh is a proponent for responsible government spending and believes that the federal deficit needs to be balanced urgently. Additionally, he's an advocate for a constitutional amendment to require congress to balance the budget.

Congressional stock trading

Baugh opposes congressional stock trading and has called for all members of Congress to forego trading.[49]

Foreign Aid

Baugh has called for reduced foreign aid by America "...the Litmus test for providing military and/or financial aid to foreign countries is whether America is protecting its citizens and is that aid promoting our national security interest. Far too often, our representatives entangle the U.S. in foreign affairs and foreign wars with very thin connections to national security, costing American lives and billions of dollars".[50] Baugh has further commented, "... when it is clear that our national security is at risk ... the U.S. should provide assistance."

Government transparency

Baugh is a strong supporter of transparency in government, and has criticized the congressional fund that is used by the government to settle workplace disputes between government senior employers, including congressional office holders, and staff.[51]

Immigration and border security

Baugh has expressed support for legal immigration and also supports strict enforcement of immigration law, such as employer verification. [52] [53] He is against mass deportation and advocates for a nuanced approach, believing that each case should have the circumstances of the person’s behaviour taken into account. Baugh is an advocate for tightening security at the border. He advocates for a "tall fence and a wide gate". He's advocated for ensuring the government has policies in place to secure the border, reducing and eliminating crime around the border, and strengthening enforcement.

Personal life

Baugh and his wife, Wendy, have a son. Baugh lives in Huntington Beach, California.[7] Baugh is part of several community initiatives and has worked with the OC Fair.[54] [55]

Electoral history

State Assembly

1998

Congressional

2024

External links

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Notes and References

  1. News: Kang . Hanna . In Orange County's open congressional race, does prior experience matter? . Orange County Register.
  2. Web site: Moxley . Riley . SCOTT BAUGH, ORANGE COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN, TO RUN FOR CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE? . OC Weekly . August 25, 2013 . July 31, 2024.
  3. Web site: Hill-Holtzman . Nancy . Scott Baugh Emerges To Lead A Combeack . Los Angeles Times . April 13, 1999 . August 5, 2024.
  4. News: March 8, 2024 . Democrat Min to face Republican Baugh in California's competitive 47th Congressional District . March 18, 2024 . AP News . en.
  5. Web site: Vakil . Caroline . 2024-11-13 . Democrat Dave Min wins California House seat to replace Porter . 2024-11-13 . The Hill . en-US.
  6. Web site: X . Instagram . Email . Facebook . 2024-11-13 . Democrat Dave Min wins seat held by Katie Porter representing coastal Orange County . 2024-11-13 . Los Angeles Times . en-US.
  7. Web site: Scott Baugh's Biography . Votesmart.org . May 3, 2019.
  8. Web site: Trounson . Rebecca . Hall . Len . THE RECALL OF DORIS ALLEN : Novice Victor Is 'Loyal Republican' : Profile: New Assemblyman Scott Baugh credits conservative philosophy for his success. . Los Angeles Times . 3 October 2024 . February 21, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220221215508/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-11-29-mn-8458-story.html#:~:text=Scott%20Baugh,%20a%20Huntington%20Beach%20resident%20and%20the%20most%20conservative . live .
  9. Web site: Mitchelln . Kim . Inventory of the Scott Baugh Papers . 2 October 2024 . Online Archive of California . California State Archives.
  10. News: Warren . Peter . Baugh's Philosophy: 'Stand Up and Fight' . Los Angeles Times . September 22, 1997 . August 2, 2024.
  11. News: GOP's Allen Elected Speaker by Democrats : Assembly: First woman in post is shunned by her own party. She appoints Brown as Speaker emeritus.. June 6, 1995. Los Angeles Times. February 28, 2022.
  12. Web site: 1995-06-06. THE ASSEMBLY'S NEW SPEAKER : Conservatives Vow Allen Recall Effort : Politics: She is labeled a traitor by one Republican leader but grounds for party punishment are unclear.. 2022-02-21. Los Angeles Times. en-US. February 21, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220221212008/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-06-06-mn-10011-story.html. live.
  13. Web site: 1995-09-12. Allen May Quit Post if Unable to Finance Fight. 2022-02-21. Los Angeles Times. en-US. February 21, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220221213705/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-09-12-mn-45073-story.html. live.
  14. Web site: Stephen Schwartz. 1995-11-29. Doris Allen Recalled In Orange County / GOP lawyer likely to take her seat. 2022-02-21. Sfgate.com. en-US.
  15. Web site: Complete List of Recall Attempts. Sos.ca.gov. 2022-02-28. February 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220218005459/https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/recalls/complete-list-recall-attempts. live.
  16. Web site: Inventory of the Scott Baugh Papers . Online Archive of California . August 12, 2024.
  17. News: 1995-11-29. THE RECALL OF DORIS ALLEN : Novice Victor Is 'Loyal Republican' : Profile: New Assemblyman Scott Baugh credits conservative philosophy for his success.. 2022-02-21. Los Angeles Times. en-US. February 21, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220221215508/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-11-29-mn-8458-story.html. live.
  18. Web site: Paul Bannai Sworn in. clerk.assembly.ca.gov. September 23, 2024. September 9, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240909082717/https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/archive/DailyJournal/1973/Volumes/7374vol1_10.pdf#page=5829. live.
  19. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-03-23-mn-50374-story.html
  20. Web site: Warren . Peter . Grad . Shelby . Some Counts Against Baugh Dismissed . Los Angeles Times . November 27, 1997 . August 3, 2024.
  21. Web site: Pasco . Jean . Election Violations Cost Baugh . Los Angeles Times . July 28, 1999 . August 1, 2024 . July 31, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240731223213/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-28-me-60372-story.html . live .
  22. News: Pasco . Jean . State to Seek the Dismissal of Criminal Case on Baugh . LA Times . March 21, 1999 . August 2, 2024 . August 3, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240803051618/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-mar-21-mn-19583-story.html . live .
  23. News: Lawmakers Must Respect Law . LA Times . March 23, 1999 . August 12, 2024.
  24. Web site: Hill-Holtzman . Nancy . Senate OKs Restitution Bill for Those Wrongly Convicted : Legislation: Assemblyman Scott Baugh's measure would entitle former Tustin resident Kevin Lee Green to $620,000 for his 16-year incarceration. . Los Angeles Times . 3 October 2024 . October 7, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091843/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-sep-10-mn-8784-story.html#:~:text=Assemblyman%20Scott%20Baugh%20(R-Huntington%20Beach)%20initiated%20the%20bill%20for%20state . live .
  25. Web site: Pasco . Jean . O.C.'s Republican Chairman Steps Down . . March 16, 2004 . August 1, 2024 . July 31, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240731223214/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-mar-16-me-fuentes16-story.html . live .
  26. Web site: BAILEY . ERIC . After Rough Start, Baugh Gains in Sacramento . Los Angeles Times . October 19, 1997 . August 2, 2024 . August 2, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240802000424/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-19-me-44488-story.html . live .
  27. Web site: Pasco . Jean . Election Violations Cost Baugh . Los Angeles Times . 3 October 2024 . June 4, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220604003535/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-28-me-60372-story.html . live .
  28. News: Scott Baugh Emerges to Lead a Comeback. April 13, 1999. Los Angeles Times. February 28, 2022. February 22, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220222040838/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-apr-13-mn-26995-story.html. live.
  29. Web site: Wisckol . Martin . O.C. GOP chairman acknowledges call for change . OC Register . August 5, 2024 . January 18, 2011 . August 9, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240809190049/https://www.ocregister.com/2011/01/18/oc-gop-chairman-acknowledges-call-for-change/ . live .
  30. News: O.C.'s Republican Chairman Steps Down . LA Times . March 14, 2004 . March 8, 2018 . January 25, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210125120634/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-mar-16-me-fuentes16-story.html . live .
  31. News: O.C. shows it's not 'Romney country' . Los Angeles Times . February 7, 2008 . March 7, 2022 . March 7, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220307195711/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-feb-07-me-ocresults7-story.html . live .
  32. Web site: Bunis . Dena . Romney bows out of presidential race . OC Register . February 7, 2008 . August 5, 2024.
  33. News: Berthelsen . Christian . O.C. Shows it's not 'Romney country' . LA Times . February 7, 2008 . August 2, 2024.
  34. Web site: Wisckol . Martin . Romney Returns to O.C. to raise Cash Today . OC Register . September 17, 2012 . August 5, 2024.
  35. Web site: Wisckol . Martin . Romney's Orange County Delegates Unvueild . OC Register . May 8, 2012 . August 1, 2024.
  36. Web site: Wisckol. Martin. Previously behind the scenes, Fred Whitaker tapped as new Orange County GOP leader. Orange County Register. January 20, 2015. March 8, 2018.
  37. Web site: Wiskol . Martin . Seeking a shift, 'standard-issue Republican' will lead the county party . January 20, 2015 . Orange County Register . August 5, 2024 . July 31, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240731223215/https://www.ocregister.com/2015/01/20/seeking-a-shift-standard-issue-republican-will-lead-the-county-party/ . live .
  38. Web site: Editorial: O.C. GOP has a new chairman . January 20, 2015. Orange County Register . August 5, 2024.
  39. Web site: Macagnone . Michael . Lations, Democrats get boost in California congressional map . Roll Call . December 21, 2021 . August 2, 2024 . August 2, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240802183145/https://rollcall.com/2021/12/21/latinos-democrats-get-boost-in-california-congressional-map/ . live .
  40. News: Gonzales . Nathan . New districts, new ratings point to California battles ahead . January 19, 2022 . Roll Call . January 4, 2022 . en . January 20, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220120224915/https://www.rollcall.com/2022/01/04/new-districts-new-ratings-point-to-california-battles-ahead/ . live .
  41. News: Weisman . Jonathan . 2022-06-08 . Katie Porter will face an Orange County G.O.P. stalwart, Scott Baugh, in the fall. . en-US . The New York Times . 2022-06-13 . 0362-4331 . June 13, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220613060722/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/06/07/us/election-california-primary-new-jersey . live .
  42. Web site: Progressive favorite Katie Porter wins re-election after days of counting . 2022-12-14 . NBC News . November 18, 2022 . en . November 20, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221120230210/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-election/katie-porter-wins-election-california-rcna57343 . live .
  43. Web site: California District 47 2022 Race . August 3, 2024 . Open Secrets .
  44. Web site: Mason . Melanie . Democratic Rep. Katie Porter holds on to seat in tightly fought Orange County race . Los Angeles Times . November 18, 2022 . August 5, 2024 . August 5, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240805150947/https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2022-11-17/2022-california-midterm-election-katie-porter-scott-baugh-orange-county-results . live .
  45. News: Schallhorn. Kaitlyn. Scott Baugh launches congressional bid for Rep. Katie Porter's seat. The Orange County Register. January 10, 2023. January 20, 2023. en-US. January 19, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230119101115/https://www.ocregister.com/2023/01/10/scott-baugh-launches-congressional-bid-for-rep-katie-porters-seat/. live.
  46. News: March 8, 2024 . Democrat Min to face Republican Baugh in California's competitive 47th Congressional District . March 18, 2024 . AP News . en . March 18, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240318152131/https://apnews.com/article/california-house-election-2024-primary-super-tuesday-fd2808aad5069c950bf0ce5f246f7661 . live .
  47. Web site: Marzorati . Guy . 2024-10-18 . This Heated Orange County Congressional Race Could Determine Control of the House KQED . 2024-10-20 . www.kqed.org . en.
  48. Web site: 2022-05-04 . Roe v. Wade: Here’s where Orange County House members, challengers stand on abortion rights . 2024-10-20 . Orange County Register . en-US . September 21, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240921032930/https://www.ocregister.com/2022/05/04/roe-v-wade-heres-where-orange-county-house-members-challengers-stand-on-abortion-rights/ . live .
  49. Web site: April 9, 2024 . Baugh For Congress - Priorities . August 1, 2024 . Baugh For Congress.
  50. Web site: Schallhorn . Kaitlyn . January 20, 2024 . Scott Baugh, CA-47 Candidate, 2024 Primary Questionnaire . August 1, 2024 . OC Register . August 14, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240814182817/https://www.ocregister.com/2024/01/20/scott-baugh-ca-47-candidate-2024-primary-election-questionnaire/ . live .
  51. Web site: Baugh . Scott . Congress must live by the same rules as the taxpayers . December 17, 2017 . August 1, 2024.
  52. Web site: Scott Baugh Campaign Website - Campaign Priorities . 17 September 2024 . Scott Baugh Campaign. April 8, 2024 .
  53. Web site: Baugh . Scott . Immigration . July 20, 2014 . August 1, 2024 . August 11, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240811233832/https://www.ocregister.com/2014/07/20/scott-baugh-what-to-do-about-immigration-dilemma/ . live .
  54. Web site: Rep. Katie Porter Wins Reelection to CA-47 seat . July 31, 2024 . OC Register - Nov 2022 . November 18, 2022 . July 31, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240731230834/https://www.ocregister.com/2022/11/17/rep-katie-porter-wins-reelection-to-ca-47-seat/ . live .
  55. Web site: Cassidy . Jon . Fair board signs Deal with OC Marathon . August 12, 2024 . OC Register . October 28, 2011 . August 12, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240812034246/https://www.ocregister.com/2011/10/28/fair-board-signs-deal-with-oc-marathon/ . live .

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