Wilson Endorses Newcomer Baugh for Allen’s Seat

Eager to cement Republican control of the Assembly, Gov. Pete Wilson endorsed GOP front-runner Scott Baugh on Wednesday in the race to replace Assemblywoman Doris Allen if she is recalled next Tuesday.

The endorsement by Wilson caps a whirlwind couple of weeks for Baugh, a political newcomer who has won the backing of dozens of state lawmakers as well as Orange County’s congressional delegation.

Wilson’s endorsement is expected to provide good fodder for Baugh in the final days of campaigning for the 67th Assembly District seat, which would be vacated if Allen is recalled by voters next week. A winner-takes-all replacement race is held with the recall.

The governor’s endorsement was not unexpected. Last week, Wilson played a role in aiding Baugh’s candidacy by helping to persuade another GOP candidate, Haydee Tillotson, to step out of the race so the vote in the heavily Republican district would not be split. GOP officials were worried that a split between Baugh, Tillotson and Republicans Shirley Carey and Don MacAllister would hand the race to Democrat Linda Moulton-Patterson, a former Huntington Beach mayor and school district trustee.

Baugh, an attorney who has never held political office, said in a statement that he is “honored and excited” to have Wilson’s support.

Baugh also gained the endorsement Wednesday of the Young Republican Federation of California, a group comprised of conservatives from 18 to 40 years of age.