The 67th Needs a Fresh Start : Baugh’s Tainted Victory Argues for a New Leader: Cecilia Age

Voters in the 67th Assembly District who thought they were clear of turmoil after the ouster of Doris Allen last year found out that there still was plenty more to come. Political newcomer Scott Baugh (R-Huntington Beach), has held the seat he won on Nov. 28 under a cloud. Baugh’s victory resulted in the elevation to Assembly speaker of Curt Pringle, (R-Garden Grove), but controversy over the manipulation of the ballot in the recall election that gave the seat to Baugh has continued.

Last week, two more Republican workers were convicted of election fraud in the case. That brought to three the number who admitted participating in a plan to divert votes from a Democratic candidate in an effort to guarantee a Republican victory in the Assembly contest.

Baugh now seeks the seat outright, and has a primary battle with Prop. 187 advocate Barbara A. Coe and Cypress Councilwoman Cecilia L. Age. The winner goes on to face a Democrat in the fall, but this is effectively the race.

Baugh would be considered to have a lock on the seat after just winning a special election, but now finds himself under investigation. Whatever the continuing probe turns up, Baugh is not really entitled to receive the benefit of the doubt from voters. He has allowed himself either through naivete or other reason to get caught up in a cynical manipulation of the election process. It is too bad, because he is an intelligent spokesperson for conservative ideas.

The district would be much better off with a fresh start, and the person to offer that is Age.

Age has represented Cypress admirably. She has extensive banking experience and has spent 7 1/2 years on the Cypress City Council, twice serving as mayor. She has presided over a period of good planning and business for her city, and by withstanding a frivolous recall, showed the regard in which she is held by constituents.

Age is vastly underfunded and is running against the tide of strong backing in the Republican establishment for Baugh. She is, however, a solid moderate who can be expected to offer sound representation.