January 18th, 2010, 7:55 pm
Posted by Martin Wisckol, Politics reporter

In a dramatic, 30-minute speech this evening, O.C. GOP Chairman Scott Baugh sharply criticized the direction of the country and called for a political revolution – one that includes changing the way many Republicans do things.

“We face a badly damaged country run by political parties, unions and corporations that are stealing any hope of a bright future from our children,” Baugh said, painting a picture of decay and destruction.

“Unfortunately, this decay comes in part by Republicans who have played a significant role in the advancement of a progressive agenda in this country,” Baugh told nearly 500 Republicans on hand at the Hyatt Regency Irvine for the monthly meeting of the county GOP’s governing Central Committee. “The decay is eroding our most fundamental values and must be stopped.”

Baugh’s speech, which was interrupted frequently by applause and by five standing ovations – embraced the themes of the Tea Party Patriots – protesting bailouts, tax hikes, government spending, generous public pensions, public labor unions, national debt, and environmental regulation.

Baugh specifically called for the county party to establish two litmus tests that would have to be met before GOP candidates would get the local Republican endorsement.

One would ban candidates from taking contributions from public employee unions. While the unions generally favor Democratic candidates, they reach across the aisle to Republicans in GOP strongholds.

The generous pensions received by most police and firefighters in the county came through deals usually ratified by Republican council members and county supervisors. At the same time, GOP candidates regularly tout the support when they are endorsed by public safety unions.

“I am tired of politicians who campaign based on the advice of consultants rather than the conviction of their hearts,” Baugh said. “I want to see Republicans taking political risks by offering pro-active solutions that include creating two- or three-tier pension systems that would allow us to get our books back in order and reject the union thuggery I see throughout our county.”

Baugh also said the O.C. GOP’s endorsements should be contingent on the candidate backing a proposed “paycheck protection” ballot measure. If passed, the measure would require union members to positively assent before political dues deducted from their paychecks.

Baugh called on all Republicans to make sacrifices of time and money, and to regularly let elected officials know how they should be voting on issues.

“We have higher taxes and more debts today because year after year, Republicans provide the margin of votes to make it happen,” Baugh said. “Many Republicans have been just as guilty as Democrats. In point of fact, under George Bush’s presidency – with a Republican Congress for six of those years – our government grew, entitlements expanded, and our nation debt was nearly doubled….

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