$78,000 Contributed to Help Reelect Baugh, but Campaign Is in Debt

Indicted Assemblyman Scott R. Baugh (R-Huntington Beach) has amassed more than $78,000 in contributions to his reelection campaign since March, according to financial records filed this week with the county registrar of voters.

The reports indicate that the Baugh for Assembly campaign has collected nearly $12,000, while the Friends of Scott Baugh committee collected more than $66,000 in contributions.

Baugh’s reports were among midyear finance statements filed by candidates, elected officials, political committees and major donors to meet a July 31 deadline.

The newest contributions gave Baugh a total of nearly $536,000 in campaign contributions since he entered his first race for Assembly in the summer of 1995, according to the reports. Baugh, an attorney, was elected to the Assembly last November to replace recalled Assemblywoman Doris Allen (R-Cypress).

Baugh’s two opponents, Democrat Cliff Brightman of Fountain Valley and Reform Party candidate Donald W. Rowe, each has raised less than $1,000.

Baugh’s reports indicate, however, that his campaign is heavily in debt. The Baugh for Assembly campaign has only about $100 in cash and nearly $149,000 in outstanding debts, while the Friends of Scott Baugh committee lists more than $80,000 in outstanding debts with nearly $4,000 in cash.

Baugh could not be reached for comment.

Among the leading contributors to the Baugh campaign during the period since March were the Irvine Co., which gave him $1,000; Benjamin Klaffke of Fair Oaks, Calif., who loaned him $25,000, and Anheuser-Busch Cos., which donated $500.

Among the leading expenses were two legal bills totaling more than $50,000.

Baugh is awaiting trial on four felony charges and 18 misdemeanor counts in connection with alleged election law violations during last November’s special election to replace Allen.