There's a certain bit of irony to a drama that has been unfolding within the Slate Mail world over the past month.

About a month ago, OCGOP Chairman Scott Baugh sent out an email to a group of Republican activists, donors, and elected officials urging them to buy onto the group of slates put out by the firm Citadel Campaigns out of northern California, saying that their slates "Unlike many other slates - they actually stand for conservative principles (not the highest bidder)."

It was curious why the Orange County GOP Chairman might send out an email like this for a particular group of slates, especially when a good number of other slate producers live in and work in Orange County, and are members and donors to the Orange County GOP.

But as an interesting twist, it turns out that these slates that Scott vouched for as being reliable to stand for conservative principles, took a pass on doing just that.

As Jim Lacy notes here and here, at least two of these slates that take advantage of IRS rules designating them as non-profits because of their activity in working for the conservative cause, took no position on either Prop 98 or Prop 99.

So, the very slates that Scott said don't follow the practice of simply going to the highest bidder, in this case left off two important conservative positions, presumably because they just didn't have the money to bid to be on (m)any slates.

5/2/08

A Message From Chairman Scott Baugh

Dear Friends and Candidates,

As we move closer to the 2008 Primary and General Elections in California, we are all faced with many options to help us to be victorious on Election Day. As you know, one of the most effective ways to communicate with voters is through "third-party" communications. This is most often done through voter guides and slates.

But, how do you decide which ones are worthwhile and which ones are not?

As a conservative, I know that standing for and promoting conservative ideals in the election process is extremely important. Our base of conservative voters want to know which candidates actually stand for fiscal and social conservatism. This is why I encourage you to consider a group of four important voter guides/slates that can make a significant difference as third-party referrals in your campaign:

1.) Family, Faith and Freedom Voter Guide - with its own database of several hundred thousand identified "Values Voters."

2.) California Republican Assembly Slate - according to Ronald Reagan, "the conscience of the Republican Party."

3.) Republican Vote-by-Mail Slate - the best voter guide targeted for conservative Absentee Voters.

4.) California Taxpayer Protection Committee Slate - more influential than other "taxpayer" organizations that have compromised on state budgets and bonds in recent years.

I strongly encourage you to consider these four voter guides and slates to solidify your base of voters. For more information and to apply for their support, contact Citadel Campaigns.visit http://www.citadelcampaigns.com or give them a call at (916) 760-1115.

Unlike many other slates - they actually stand for conservative principles (not the highest bidder) - and, therefore, they have earned the respect of "the base" of conservative voters. All four cover four critical voter groups. Most importantly, you can rely on them too mail out on-time.

I wish you only the best in the upcoming elections.

Onward to victory!
 
Scott Baugh, Chairman
Republican Party of Orange County