Next to Baugh, Mistake Is Minor

Re Linda Moulton-Patterson and the article, “O.C. Democrat Admits Election Law Violation,” July 25: For 30 years I have been a friend of Linda’s as well as a campaign worker, because I know that personal integrity, hard work and commitment are characteristic of everything she undertakes both public and private.

On the date that she gathered the signatures on the petitions of nomination and later filed them with the county, I stopped by her home after work to add my name, which she witnessed along with other helpers who had them spread along the kitchen counter.

Things were hectic then as she responded to phone calls while other signers entered and left. Ironically now, Linda mentioned to another friend and me that everyone needed to be careful and not do anything that could be criticized as this election watched by the opposition. Under the pressure of time, they gathered the forms and delivered them before that day’s deadline. Someone inadvertently mixed the petitions unsigned by the circulator in with those that Linda had witnessed, and in the rush they too received her signature.

Nevertheless, what she did was illegal and she has accepted responsibility for her actions.

Clearly minor mistakes made by a popular former officeholder contrast dramatically with the premeditated lies that Assemblyman Scott Baugh (R-Huntington Beach) told the public regarding his close friendship with Laurie Campbell and the return of her husband’s illegal campaign contribution to help cover the cost of Laurie’s last-minute bid to attempt to divide the Democrat Party vote. Consequently, Baugh’s election secured another Republican vote in the Assembly in Sacramento and thus a Republican speaker.

We voters should guard against painting all politicians with a broad brush, as if corrupt. The law should be indifferent to be just, but the intent and impact of Linda’s violations are indeed minor.

LAURA STURROCK

Huntington Beach