This came over the transom yesterday from the Lincoln Club of Orange County:

LINCOLN CLUB ENDORSES PROP. 98; OPPOSES PROP. 99

Homeowners, farmers, and landowners get maximum protection with 98, while 99 doesn't go far enough

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (April 11, 2008) - The Lincoln Club of Orange County's Board of Directors voted unanimously today to endorse Proposition 98 and oppose Proposition 99, both of which will be on the June ballot.

"Proposition 98 is the true eminent domain reform initiative that provides private property owners the most protection against the ability for governments to seize the property of one private party and hand it over to another private party for the benefit of government coffers," said Richard K. Wagner, President of the Lincoln Club.

"Proposition 99 is being funded and falsely marketed by cities and counties as the 'true eminent domain reform,'" explained Dan Baren, Lincoln Club Legislative Committee Chairman. "In fact, some of these same governments, through their redevelopment agencies, have abused eminent domain by seizing so-called 'blighted' property then, transferring them to another private owner for private uses, such as the development of big-box stores or retail projects, that generate tax revenue."

Proposition 98 protects homeowners, landowners, farmers, ranches, churches, and other property owners from the Supreme Court's recent Kelo decision, which expanded the power of government to seize private property for private use. Proposition 99 only protects single-family homeowners who have lived in their home

for one year or more from eminent domain. It also includes a 'poison pill' provision that seeks to undermine the voters will if Proposition 98 passes.

"Proposition 99 specifically states that it will trump any other eminent domain initiative if it simply gets more votes," Baren explained. "So if both Prop. 98 and 99 pass, and Prop. 99 gets one more vote than Prop. 98, then the less-protection Prop. 99, will be the law. That's why the government interest groups are trying to confuse voters by claiming 99 is 'true eminent domain reform.'"

To learn more about and contribute to Prop. 98 visit: www.yesprop98.com.

Founded in 1962, the Lincoln Club of Orange County is an association of business men and women and professionals who support candidates and causes to limit the size of government, and promote low taxes and pro-business policies. More info: www.lincolnclub.org.