Summer 2009 • Newsletter

“In all that the people can individuallydo as well for themselves, governmentought not to do for them.”

—A. Lincoln

CONTENTS:3 President’s Message

4 Membership Update

5 New Member Spotlight

6 Programs Committee

7 Legislative & IssuesCommittees

8 Communications Committee

9 Local Elections Committee

10 John Fund Program

11 Annual Dinner Photos

15 JohnYoo Program

16 PatToomey Program

From Obama’s first 100 days to the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania, recentguest speakers have covered a lot of interesting political ground. Picturedfrom left, Wall Street Journal columnist John Fund, John Yoo, former WhiteHouse counsel to President George W. Bush, and Pat Toomey, the Republicancandidate for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania. Programs Chair Karen Lugo givesa wrap-up of these programs on page 6 and photos start on page 10.

e Lincoln Club’s 47th Annual Dinner on May 1 was memorable for manyreasons, not the least of which was the keynote address of now disgraced SouthCarolina Governor Mark Sanford. More than 275 members and guests attendedthe event, which also featured talk show host Larry Elder. e event also servedas the official transition between Club presidents and the installation of the2009-2010 Board of Directors. Chairman Emeritus and former President TracyPrice presented a surprise “mini-roast” of outgoing president Richard Wagner,while Wagner presented the gavel to new president Robert Loewen.For more photos and award winners, see page 12.

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President’s MessageBy Robert W. Loewen

onservative voices are being heard across the coun-try. It started with the Tea Parties–conservativesspeaking out spontaneously about big governmentand higher taxes. And now there is Obamacare.

Nancy Pelosi and the Obama handlers don’t know what to sayabout the protests being heard at town hall meetings. So theyaccuse Republicans of “manufacturing” the protest, commenton how “well dressed” attendees are (how sinister), and evenclaim that people attending the meetings carry swastikas. Butthe town hall protests are genuine. People are angry about agovernment that can’t stop spending at a level that mortgagesour children’s future; they are bewildered by a government in-sensitive to people’s desire not to have their most personal de-cisions subjected to bureaucratic scrutiny; and they aredisappointed that the messiah of hope and change has turnedout to be just another left-wing Chicago pol.

In California, too, the winds of change are blowing. After 30years of rule by Democrats and their union masters, Sacra-mento politicians are facing the awful truth that they have runout of taxing options and they must cut costs. And because theso-called “solution” was only a band-aid and not a solution atall, we can expect to see more of the same until leaders emergewho will implement real change.

Of course, no one can be happy about the daunting problemsthat we as Californians and Americans face. But in crisis thereis always opportunity. Republicans can seize these opportuni-ties because Republican solutions are better than Democrat so-lutions. e Lincoln Club is ready to lead.

Recently, I appointed an Ad Hoc Committee on Union Issues,co-chaired by Mark Bucher and Dan Livingston. at com-mittee is dedicated to educating the public about the hazards

for California of allowing special-in-terest public employee unions towield the extraordinary power thatthey do in Sacramento. And, if allgoes well, it is dedicated to placing onthe ballot a measure to circumscribethat union power.

I have also appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to Unseat LorettaSanchez, co-chaired by Club VPs Dan Baren and Wayne Lind-holm. Loretta Sanchez is a six-term Congresswoman and theonly Democrat member of Congress from a district in OrangeCounty. Although she claims to be a so-called “Blue Dog” De-mocrat, Loretta Sanchez has voted 98.3% of the time withNancy Pelosi. As anger builds toward Democrat programs inWashington, Loretta’s got some explaining to do. While thetroubles being experienced in Washington should help us inour task, there is no substitute for hard work. e chairs of theAd Hoc Committee can show you how you can help.

Finally, the Local Elections Committee, led by new Chair IvanMarks, is taking a serious look at the incompetence of the lib-eral politicians in Irvine. Larry Agran and Beth Krom must beheld accountable for the massive expenditures laid out for theGreat Park with nothing to show for it. ese politicians havebeen running their own brand of Chicago politics in the heartof Orange County for too long.

e Lincoln Club is dedicated to political action to change gov-ernment to promote a better economy, more jobs, and morepersonal freedom. We can only achieve these goals throughactive member participation. Join the cause; attend committeemeetings and volunteer to take an activist role, and bring yourfriends to join us too.

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Robert W. Loewen2009 Lunch for Prospective Members and SponsorsInvite a prospective member to learn more about getting politically activethrough the Lincoln Club.These lunches are held every third Tuesday ofthe month from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Pacific Club, 4110 MacArthurBlvd., Newport Beach.

Login to www.lincolnclub.org for the latest information or contact949-451-4115 or clare@lincolnclub.org.

September 15 • October 21 • November 17

reetings Fellow Members:

ere has been a lot happening with regard to mem-bership. First, let me begin with the good news

regarding new policies.

• To encourage younger members, we are now offering member-ship at half the cost to those ages 35 and under. We highly en-courage all of our members to advise the younger professionalsyou know of this opportunity.

• Also, to recognize exceptional new member contribution, wehave instituted a “New Member of the Year” award.

• Quarterly payments are now available to all members.

• Lastly, until further notice, membership dues are officially frozenat current levels.

On the other side of the equation, due to the challenging econ-omy, it’s been challenging to meet our new membership goals. Our

historic time calls for political engage-ment with an urgency we have neverseen before. As members, we knowthat the Lincoln Club represents oneof the best solutions for stopping theliberal movement in America. We alsoall know the truth of the saying, there is “strength in numbers.”

erefore, on behalf of the Membership Committee, we are againasking each of you to bring forth a minimum of one new prospect.Help give us the opportunity to strengthen our club with dynamicnew members and especially seek out those who qualify under thenew, more affordable dues.

Your Membership Committee will continue working to spread theword that the Lincoln Club of Orange County represents the bestopportunity for busy professionals to make a political difference.

ank you in advance for your support.

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Membership Committee Update

Welcome NewMembersWe are pleased to welcome the following new members to the Lincoln Club. We tried to collect as many photos aspossible, so if your photo is missing, please send it to Clare Venegas and it will be included in the next edition.

If you see one of these members at future Lincoln Club events, please make them feel welcome! A special ‘ankYou’ especially to their sponsors.

Kristopher DiulioGibson, Dunn & Crutcher

Teresa HernandezCielito Lindo Restaurant

Sandra KingKing Public Relations

By Hon. Al Frink, Membership Committee Chairman

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Jean MichelomasWhitelaw & Tyler LLP

Douglas Urbanskie Compass Group

Aaron BradfordPrudential Financial

Richard KayCleanWave Management

teve Bellow joined the Lincoln Club in March andis a 25-year veteran of the consumer electronics in-dustry. Steve was previously a co-founder of BelkinCorporation and is currently a principal of e Bel-

low Group, a consumer electronics consulting firm.

Why did you decide to join the Lincoln Club? What at-tracted you to the Club?

I’ve always had an interest in government and politics. I de-cided to join the Lincoln Club because I believe in the princi-ples of limited government, lower taxation and the preservationof individual liberty and the free market. e Lincoln Club al-lows me to be involved with an influential organization thatshares my values.

What is the most important polit-ical or public policy issue for you?What issues are you most passion-ate about?

I am most concerned with the high state and federal budgetspending and the proposals to increase taxation. I am also verypassionate about reducing government intrusion into our dailylives both personally and as a business owner.

Name one thing that most people might not know about you.

Most people don’t know that I was a former full-time policeofficer for eight years before I started a business. I enjoyed mytime in law enforcement and decided to stay as a volunteer re-serve officer.

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NEWMEMBER SPOTLIGHT

SSteve Bellow

By Karen Lugo, Programs Committee Chairwoman

ince this past spring, the Club’s lineup of programs fea-tured candidates, media pundits, and behind-the-scenesfigures that are front and center of the current politicallandscape. Below is a summary of the programs; videos

can also be viewed online at www.lincolnclub.org, or by request-ing a DVD.

Pat ToomeyIn July, the Club hosted a fundraiser and lunch program with PatToomey, the Republican running against incumbent Pennsylva-nia Senator Arlen Specter in 2010. (Photos on page 16.) Toomey,a former congressman, most recently was chairman of Club forGrowth, a national advocacy organization that helps elect fiscallyconservative candidates across the country. He thanked the Lin-coln Club for partnering with the Club for Growth last Novem-ber in funding television ads supporting Colorado Republican BobShaffer for U.S. Senate.

Toomey outlined five policy errors committed by PresidentsHoover and Roosevelt that the Obama administration seems tobe repeating, lessons outlined in Amity Shlaes’ book, “e For-gotten Man.” (Shlaes spoke to the Lincoln Club in January). eseflaws of the federal government in the 1930s, he said, took whatmight have been an ordinary recession and turned it into the GreatDepression. First was a philosophical belief in overspending. esepresidents and their advisors subscribed to the disastrous theorythat spending can solve any economic problem.

Second, they believed that higher taxes were the answer to fund-ing these extravagant spending programs. ey all consistentlytook reflexive action to increase taxes on capital, income and busi-ness. ird, the Hoover and Roosevelt administrations aggressivelyadvanced regulatory control, creating an alphabet soup of regula-tory agencies that controlled wide sectors of the economy.

Fourth, all promoted restrictive trade policy. Roosevelt imposedtariffs to the degree that he started a started a trade war. Obamaseeks to impose new tariffs and controls through “Cap and Trade.”Fifth, these American leaders believed in advancing the power andcontrol of organized labor. Roosevelt oversaw the passage of theWagner Act giving unions enhanced ability to organize. Obama’s“card check” pro-union policy would also boost union power torecruit and organize.

Clearly, Toomey said, Obama is lurching to the left to remake so-ciety. We have yet to learn the lasting implications of what reformswill be passed and how lasting will be the damage.

Toomey also offered his own perspec-tive on addressing economic problems,which he also outlines in his new book,“e Road to Prosperity.” He said thathe would urge a reduction in taxes toliberate money and stimulate innova-tion in the private sector. He would reduce corporate taxes and re-bate any unspent funds from the TARP or stimulus packages tocitizens who pay personal income taxes.

As far as Toomey’s expected race against Senator Specter in 2010,Specter was on the defensive and struggling in the polls before heswitched parties. Now Specter is down double digits in recent pollseven though he has $7 million more dollars than Toomey in hiswar chest.

Professor John YooJohn Yoo, former White House counsel to President George W.Bush and author of the so-called “torture” memos, just finished abook on presidential power during wartime when he spoke to thegroup in June. (Photos on page 15.)

Yoo, who teaches at UC Berkeley and recently was a visiting pro-fessor at Chapman University, said that Lincoln exercised extraor-dinary power in several situations during the Civil War. WhenPresident Lincoln justified his decision to suspend the writ ofhabeas corpus and a Confederate prisoner, he explained that itmade no sense to lose the entire nation in an effort to preserve onepart of the Constitution. Lincoln famously said, “although it wassometimes necessary to amputate a limb to save a life, it was neverwise to end a life to save a limb.” Yoo believes that Lincoln wiselyexercised inherent constitutional power to temporarily suspend aclause of the Constitution in order to put down those who woulddestroy the entire document.

Yoo observed that the Supreme Court is more interventionisttoday and will rule against presidential war power and do it dur-ing the period of hostility. Prior to the Vietnam conflict (with onenotable exception during WWII), the Court would often reservejudgment until after the hostilities ceased and then would also usu-ally defer to executive power.

Yoo concluded that an energetic executive was intended by theFounders during a time of war so America’s response to a threat orcrisis could be advanced “vigorously and with dispatch.” eFounders created an executive branch after the Articles of the Con-federation failed to supply this needed check to Congress.

see Programs Committee Update on page 17

SPrograms Committee Update

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By Michael Reynolds, Legislative Committee Chairman

he Legislative Committee has been very active thisspring and summer. e Legislative Committee’smain purposes are (1) to review, analyze and evaluatepending ballot initiatives and legislation of signifi-

cance at the state and local level and (2) report back and recom-mend appropriate courses of action to the Club’s Board of Directors– which can include positions, endorsements and financial sup-port.

California, long known as the “Land of Fruits and Nuts,” can alsobe called the “Land of Endless Elections.” Lately it seems a yeardoes not go by without a special or general election chock full ofballot measures for our consideration. us, we have been busy.

In May, we considered Propositions 1A through 1F, an absurd slateof measures placed on the ballot by the politicians in Sacramento.Designed to raise revenues through a variety of shenanigans, themeasures would at best have only partially bridged the deficit, andthen only temporarily. e Legislative Committee heartily thanksformer chair and Club Vice President Dan Baren for his outstand-ing work in dissecting the propositions. e membership agreedwith the Committee’s recommendation to vote against Props 1Athrough 1F.

Fortunately, California voters saw through the ruse and over-whelmingly rejected the gimmickry – except for 1F, which placedcertain limits on legislative pay raises. In June, Club President BobLoewen hosted our traditional “post-mortem” on the special elec-tion. We celebrated the wholesale slaughter with wine, cheese, goodhumor and a very interesting presentation on the state’s fiscal future

by Orange County Treasurer ChrissStreet.

In July, we heard from State SenatorGeorge Runner (R-Lancaster), who issoliciting assistance for a Voter ID ini-tiative designed to root out ACORN-style voter fraud. e initia-tive is similar to one championed by fellow Lincoln Club memberand Laguna Niguel Mayor Robert Ming. e Committee asked foradditional information regarding the extent and nature of the fraudlikely to be perpetrated as well as the efficacy of the proposed reme-dies. We are looking forward to working with Senator Runner onthis exciting project.

We also welcomed Chairman Emeritus Michael Capaldi, who toldus a great deal about the proposed California Constitutional Con-vention. Michael is well-connected to the effort and even graced thefront page of theOrange County Register on August 9. We look for-ward to evaluating ways in which we can make an impact on sucha convention – and the possibility of restoring budgetary sanityand limited government to Sacramento.

Although we were dark in August, we look forward to an excitingfall season. We expect to hear from State Assemblyman Jeff Miller(R-Mission Viejo/Corona). He sits on the Education Committee,the Transportation Committee, the Environmental Safety andToxic Materials Committee and the all-important AppropriationsCommittee. We hope to see you at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcheron Tuesday, September 1 at 5:15 p.m., at 3161 MichelsonDrive, 12th floor, Irvine.

Legislative Committee Update

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By David Bahnsen, Issues Committee Chairman

he newly-formed Issues Committee of the LincolnClub held its inaugural meeting on July 14. ecommittee has been formed as a standing committeeof the club to discuss what issues are of primary im-

portance to the club, and to help set our agenda as an organiza-tion. e club has long been committed to bedrock principles oflimited government and conservatism. is committee’s intent is totake our underlying principles, and find the specific issues thatmost require attention and prioritization.

More than a dozen members attended the kickoff meeting and en-gaged in rigorous discussion of the challenges we face as political

activists and ideologues. e committeewants to find issues within the federal,state, and local government arenas,thereby demonstrating a commitment togood government across all spheres of po-litical leadership.

On a local level, much attention is likely to be focused on the in-creasingly toxic situation in the city of Irvine. e Left is seekingto use Irvine as a sort of “breeding ground” for future elected offi-cials, and as the Great Park disaster shows, they have little regardfor fiscal responsibility.

see Issues Committee Update on page 17

Issues Committee Update

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By Dr. Kerry Reynolds, Communications Committee Chairwoman

he primary goal of the Communications Commit-tee is to foster effective communications within andwithout the Lincoln Club. is can be achieved sev-eral ways–through informative e-mails, media re-

leases, op-eds, personal meetings with members, and publicoutreach. e committee’s most recent project, the MemberForum, was designed to bring members together in a ‘guideddiscussion’ format–and encourage vigorous brainstorming, de-bate and problem-solving.

e June 17 Member Forum attracted more than 70 membersand guests. While numerous interesting topics were consid-ered, the final selection “From the Wilderness to WinningAgain: the GOP Going Forward” was deemed the most vitalissue. Participants engaged in a lively two-hour discussionwhich was both motivating and inspirational. While the col-lected suggestions and opinions do not reflect the official viewsof the Lincoln Club, the following highlights represent anoverview of the participants’ contributions. (For a full report,please read the “Member Forum Wrap-Up” in the LincolnClub’s online Bulletin Board; login to www.lincolnclub.org.)

1. Values and principles- e GOP should remain true to itscore principles and beliefs, not change who they are. eyneed to tell the story of America and the GOP, and selectleaders who behave consistently with party values.

2. Communication- e GOP needs to do a better job ofcommunicating the entire Republican message and define

the party in positive ways. eyneed to market ideas clearly, con-cisely, creatively and powerfully–and use modern technology tohandle propaganda and reason-able criticisms.

3. Outreach- e party must expand its base, be inclusive,reach out to American minorities, females, and the youthpopulation.

4. Leadership- e party should evaluate and cultivate new,powerful leaders who exhibit charisma, intelligence, supe-rior communication skills and loyalty to party principles.

e committee is now considering the best ways to utilize thiscollected information for party (and public) consumption. Weare eager to work with the Issues Committee to identify andconsider certain positions for the club Board to adopt beforethe 2010 election cycle.

Your creative ideas, suggestions, and concerns are alwayswelcomed. Please contact me (drkerryreynolds@yahoo.com)with comments.

TCommunicationsCommitteeUpdate

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By Ivan Marks, Local Elections Committee Chairman

ince autumn’s busy election season, during which thecommittee interviewed and recommended endorse-ments of many city council candidates throughoutOrange County, the Local Elections Committee has

met with several city council members that the Club endorsed.e goal of these meetings was to understand the issues of theirrespective cities, to get insight into the working relationshipsamong council members, to hold them accountable for theirdecisions, and to develop those looking to advance to higheroffice.

Council members who’ve attended these meetings so far in-clude Robert Ming, Laguna Niguel; Don Hansen, Hunting-ton Beach; Christina Shea and Stephen Choi, Irvine; and SteveJones, Garden Grove. All shared their experiences, political be-liefs, and challenges in office. It is clear that local elected offi-cials are confronted with issues that are important to theLincoln Club – from negotiating contracts with public em-ployee unions to being fiscally responsible with taxpayer dol-lars. ese meetings are an opportunity for Club members tosupport those who are making the right decisions, hold

them accountable for their actionsand whether they stay true to theClub’s core principles, and to men-tor those who may need more edu-cation and guidance.

In the coming months, we will be focusing on a top priority –to elect pro-business, Lincoln Club-type candidates to theIrvine City Council in 2010. It’s a shame that one of OrangeCounty’s largest cities and the county’s largest jobs center, hasbeen run by three Democrats who have, among other trans-gressions, managed to waste millions of dollars on a non-exis-tent “Great Park.” You can help us develop a plan to returnIrvine to a majority Republican council by attending the nextcommittee meeting.

We meet from 8-9 a.m. on the second Wednesday of eachmonth at the offices of Ramirez International, 2100 MainStreet-#210, Irvine (Sullivan Curtis Monroe Building).e next meeting is September 9.

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LINCOLN CLUB

John Fund Breakfast Program

Bob Fish and John Fund

Bruce McDonald andCarl Kikerpill

Charlie Hobbs and Jack Hochadel Dwayne Herberich, Laurel Mann,and Chris Louis

Dr. Kerry Reynolds, Dale Dykema,and Teresa Hernandez

GaryWilson, Carl Kikerpill,Laurel Mann

Harry Rawlins, Holly Lincoln, andJune Rawlins

Jim Morrison and Hon. Al FrinkHoward Klein, Bob Fish,Robert Bancroft, Ivan Marks

John Fund and Tom Tait John Fund andDr. Marcy Zwelling

RichWagner and John FundKathy Schwarz, Victoria Street andDr. Kerry Reynolds

Mary Ann Brown leads the pledge Wall Street Journal columnist John Fund

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LINCOLN CLUB

47th Annual Dinner – May 1, 2009

RichWagner Arlyn Smith, a veteran of theVietnamWar, leads the Pledge of

Allegiance

Singers from the Orange County High School of the Arts singGod Bless America and the National Anthem

Juan Forster, RichWagner, andHon. Al Frink

Larry Elder

David and Christin Ellis Tracy Price surprises RichWagnerwith a special tribute

Jennifer Wagner receives flowers forher patience during Club PresidentRichWagner’s four-year term

Jennifer and RichWagner during amini-roast by Tracy Price

Pat and Rod Douglass withKaren Blount andWayne Sawyer

Rick Muth Valerie and Tracy PriceSara Catalan with Ken andKathy Schwarz

Larry Elder and Bob Loewen Bob Loewen and GovernorMark Sanford

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LINCOLN CLUB

47th Annual Dinner – May 1, 2009

Incoming Club President BobLoewen gives a thank you gift tooutgoing president RichWagner

RichWagner presented Tracy Pricewith Chairman Emeritus plaquefor his service as Lincoln Clubchairman for the past four years

15-Year Membership AwardRecipients Hon. Keith Curry,Sue Kint, Peter Ganahl

RichWagner presented Buck Johnswith a Director Emeritus plaquefor his long-time service on theClub's Board of Directors

10-Year Membership Award Recipients: Top row –Dr. Reza Karkia, John Dodd, Vince Monaco,David Davidson. Bottom row – Greg Arbues,Dorothy Stauch, Michael Reynolds, Charlie Poss

5-Year Membership Award Recipients: Top row - Stephen Casey,Al Robinson, David Kramer, Mel Trudell, Hon. Robert Ming.Bottom row – David Bahnsen, Karen Lugo, Marilyn Palarea,Mike Bartlett. Not pictured: Scott Baugh, Chip Hanlon,

Craig Rommel, Louis Tomaselli, Donna Varner, Dale Young.

Sponsors of the Year: Jim Morrison,RichWagner, Dr. Kerry Reynolds

and Dan Livingston

Member of the Year 2008: Dan BarenDan Baren was honored as the Lincoln Club’s 2008 Member of the Year at the An-nual Dinner on May 1, 2009. Dan has been a member for 11 years, serving as theLegislative Committee Chairman for five. e Leg Committee is the public policyheart of the Club. Each election, the committee reviews and researches all ballot ini-tiatives then debates and discusses whether they are worthy of a Lincoln Club en-dorsement, as measured against the Lincoln Club’s core principles. As LegislativeCommittee Chairman, he led the committee through nine election cycles includingthree elections in one year (2006).

e Legislative Committee’s recommendations on statewide ballot initiatives are pre-sented to the Board or general membership, which then votes on the Club’s officialpositions. ese are then published in a comprehensive Voter Guide that circulatedto all members and who, in turn, spread it to their network of contacts, and so on.It is this multiplier effect – the ability to influence how hundreds, if not thousandsof people, vote in any given election that makes the Legislative Committee so influ-ential, and a cornerstone committee of the Club. All this would not be possible with-out a strong leader at the helm, which is why Dan was chosen for the honor.

Dan is an attorney and lives in San Clemente with his wife Stephanie and theirthree sons.

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LINCOLN CLUB

47th Annual Dinner – May 1, 2009

Bill Crawford and JeanWrightwith Liza and Donald Segretti

David and Carol Rudat withBeverly and Chuck Turner

David and Robyn Belz Dorothy Stauch, Dr. Prakash andVeena Narain

Hon. James Gray, William andMary Cramer, Michael Bartlett

Hon. Chriss Street, Kellie andJim Bieber

Jim and Pat Lindsey withCatherine and Michael Capaldi

June and Harry Rawlins Lee Lowrey, Sarah Soss,Jeff Lalloway

Laurel Mann and eresa Louis

Mary and Charlie Hobbs Matt Venegas, Dr. Reza Karkia,Bob Fish, Myron Steeves, and

Donald McConnell

Ron and Karen Lugo with Dee andDoy Henley

Rick Reiff, Mary Ann Brown,Tom Mays, and Hon. Diane Harkey

Ann and Hon. Lance Jensen,Dr. Reza Karkia, Kevin Lee,Sue Kint, and Hon. James Gray

Bruce McDonald, Gov.Mark Sanford, Wayne and Hon.Linda Lindholm, Doy Henley,Barbara and Peter Ganahl

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47th Annual Dinner – May 1, 2009

Bruce and Stephanie Buettell withConnie and David Davidson

Catherine Capaldi and Janet Klein

Dana and Seth Hall Don and Liza Segretti andJack Hochadel

Ed and Marilyn Calvin, BeckyKarns, Dr. Kerry Reynolds, and

Fred Parry

Don and Liza Segretti with Patand Charlie Poss

Fred Parry with Marilyn andEd Calvin

Jim and Donna Morrison State Senator Tom Harman,Hon. Lisa Bartlett and Richard Kay

Nancy Muth and Eden Saunders

omas Pappa, Chip Hanlon, andMatt Venegas

Wayne and Hon. Linda Lindholm,Marisa Crawford, and Ron Lugo

Wayne Sawyer and Karen Blount

Aleeza and Pat Maciariello Carly Briscoe, David Kramer, andDonna Morrison

LINCOLN CLUB

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John Yoo Lunch Program – June 12

Holly Lincoln and Sandra King

Hon. Keith Curry, Dr. Kerry Reynolds,and Bruce Buettell

Ivan Marks, Bob Fish,Don Segretti, Chuck Turner, and

Hon. Al Frink

Wayne LindholmKathy Gremer andElizabeth Copley

John Yoo, formerWhite House counsel for President George W. Bush Bob Loewen

Karen Lugo Bob Loewen, John Yoo, andKaren Lugo

Paul Louchis and John Yoo Bob Loewen and Hon. Al Frink

Bruce Buettell David EllisCarl Kikerpill

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Pat Toomey Lunch Program – July 23

David Bahnsen, Karen Lugo, andPat Toomey

David Harmer, candidate for10th Congressional District, and

Dan Livingston

Hon. Linda Lindholm, Pat Toomey,andWayne Lindholm

Ivan Marks, Jeff Lalloway, andPat Toomey

Ivan Marks, Pat Douglass, andJeff Lalloway

Kristopher Hoffman,Dr. Kerry Reynolds, and

Pat Toomey

Jasmina Boulanger,Bruce McDonald, and Pat Toomey

Michael Brewer, Jim Morrison,and RonWilliams

Pat Toomey, Kristopher Hoffman,Jack Hochadel, and Jim Lindsey

Wayne and Hon. Linda Lindholmwith Scott Anderson

Paul Louchis and Pat Toomey

Pat Toomey and Bob Loewen Pat Toomey Pat Toomey Dan Livingston

Hon. Linda Lindholm,Bob Loewen, and Ivan Marks

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LINCOLN CLUB

Programs Committee Update continued from page 6

Annual Dinner: Governor MarkSanford and Larry ElderJust weeks before South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford confessedto an extramarital affair, he addressed more than 275 members andguests at the Lincoln Club’s 47th Annual Dinner on May 1. (Pho-tos on pages 11-14.) Leading up to the dinner, Sanford’s name wasmentioned as part of the handful of Republicans with the poten-tial to make a run for the White House in 2012. His refusal to takefederal “stimulus” funds garnered national headlines and made himpopular with conservatives. His message at the dinner – that weare at a critical moment in history and that conservatives must actnow more than ever to oppose the leftward march led by theObama administration – couldn’t have been more spot-on. Afterinflicting more damage on himself in the weeks following the scan-dal, conservatives are looking elsewhere for leadership.

Larry Elder may be one such person. e best-selling author andformer radio talk show host, also known as the ‘Sage from SouthCentral,’ shared the inspiring personal story of his parents, whoembodied and instilled in him the values of self-reliance and hardwork. He spoke fondly of his 94-year-old Republican father, whodespite growing up in the Jim Crowe south, worked even the mostmenial jobs to make a decent living for his wife and family. Hespoke of his mother, a “Jack Kennedy Democrat” who believed incutting taxes and a strong national defense. He poignantly notedthat he did not need Barack Obama to teach him that he could “door be anything” that he wanted to be; his mother taught him thatlesson and he knew it could indeed be accomplished by virtue ofliving in America.

Rumors had been circulating that Elder was exploring a possiblerun against Barbara Boxer for U.S. Senate in 2010. However, hespoke only of his most immediate plans: to become a self-described“professional champion of freedom and professional antagonist ofcollectivism” by starting a non-profit organization, Citizens for theTruth in the American Media.

John FundWhen Wall Street Journal columnist and author John Fund ad-dressed Club members in April, he immediately detected a cloudcover over the audience and said that he would like to offer someglimmers of hope. While declaring that he was not falsely opti-mistic, he presented some objective reasons for reassessing the stateof the Republican Party.

First, he pointed to the Democrats’ psychological warfare cam-paign to squelch any hope within Republican ranks. Democrats,he argued, focus on how personally popular Obama is but refuse

to address the public’s declining confidence in his policies. ey vi-ciously attack the outrageously successful Tea Parties, while ma-ligning conservative political leaders like Rush Limbaugh. SinceDemocrats are quite aware that they do not have a permanent ma-jority they must keep continually build the illusion of popular sup-port for Obama.

Fund pointed to an interesting historical phenomenon that evi-dences Republican power consolidation and then subsequent lossevery 16 years. is cycle has repeated several times as Republicansin ascendancy make fatal mistakes resulting in abdicated leadership.

Fund referred to the historical record to show that leftist policiesalways fail. He noted that it is natural to doubt the judgment ofone who brings a hammer and a hacksaw to an appendectomysince those tools obviously cannot and will not work. Conserva-tives only need to wait for the opportunity to point out the follyof leftist programs by evidencing the results.

Here, President Reagan was especially wise and he predicted thatCarter and Clinton, although campaigning from the center, wouldgovern from the left. He foretold the popular disillusionment thatwould result from failed liberal policies and the anger of voterswho knew they did not vote for such a radical social agenda. ispopular disillusionment can be turned to conservatives’ advantage.

One member asked Fund who he thought would emerge as thenext Republican leader. Fund wisely advised not to be overly con-cerned about the lack of leadership now, since over the next fewyears leading up to 2012 different leaders will naturally emergeand compete for support.

Fund recommended that Republicans take up the mantra of thoselike Rick Santelli whose rant from the Chicago trading floor washeard round the world when he asked, “How many of you wantto pay for your neighbor’s mortgage?” And then as the cheers sub-sided, “President Obama, are you listening?”

Each of these programs can be viewed online at www.lincolnclub.org.You must login first, and go to ‘In Action’ then ‘Event Videos.’ Or youcan contact Clare, clare@lincolnclub.org or 949-451-4115, for acomplimentary DVD.

First Friday Happy HoursJoin fellow Lincoln Club members the first Friday of eachmonth for an informal Happy Hour.This is a no-hostgathering to talk about politics and meet other members.Watch your emails for the location each month – it varies!

• September 11 - Note:This is the second Friday due to theLabor Day holiday.There will be no Happy Hour gathering on Sept. 4.

• October 2

• November 6

LINCOLN CLUB

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The latest information on upcoming meetings and events can befound on our website – www.lincolnclub.org.Members must loginto view the full calendar.Contact us if you need your login informa-tion – info@lincolnclub.org.

Tuesday, Sept. 1 – Legislative Committee5:15 p.m. at the offices of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.Guest by phone:Assemblyman Jeff Miller, 71stAssembly District.

Wednesday, Sept. 2 –Townhall Debate: Is a Consti-tutional Convention theAnswer?7:30 a.m. Registration/Continental Breakfast. 8-11:30 a.m. Program.Irvine Marriott.The Lincoln Club is co-hosting this event with business and politicalgroups to debate the advantages and dangers of a constitutionalconvention.No cost to attend, but registration is required online –www.lincolnclub.org.

Wednesday, Sept. 9 – Local Elections Committee8 a.m. at the offices of Ramirez International

Thursday, Sept. 10 – Board of Directors Meeting7:30 a.m. at the Pacific ClubMonthly Board meeting to discuss the Club’s activities and initia-tives. General members are invited to attend, but must RSVP dueto limited seating.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 – Lunch for Prospective Mem-bers and Sponsors11:45 at the Pacific ClubMembers are encouraged to bring prospective members to thislunch to learn more about the benefits of membership.Help our“Building forVictory” membership campaign by sponsoring a friendor colleague for membership.

Thursday, Sept. 17 – Lunch Program:“NoTime fora New Deal” with Jonah Goldberg11:30 registration; Noon program at the Pacific ClubJoin us to hear one of the most prominent young conservatives onthe scene today, Jonah Goldberg.He isAmerica’s most widely-readpolitical columnist under the age of 40 and author of the best-sell-ing book,“Liberal Fascism.”

Tuesday, Sept. 22 – Issues Committee MeetingNoon at the offices of David Bahnsen/Morgan Stanley.Join us to help determine national, state, and local issues that theClub should focus on in the coming election cycle.

UPCOMING EVENTS ANDMEETINGS

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Issues Committee Update continued from page 7

e budget crisis in the state of California has proven that when alegislature can not say no to powerful union influences, the resultscan be disastrous. As jobs continue to flee our state en masse, andas California becomes the laughing-stock of the country in termsof fiscal management, our club must step up efforts to bring goodgovernment back to Sacramento. For us, this has to start with put-ting an end to the public employee union monopolization of stateagenda. Hopefully, progress can come here before it is too late.

Our discussion of the problems facing us at the federal level cov-ered a lot of ground. e current congressional leadership andWhite House administration have not done much to instill confi-dence in where we are headed as a free society. Deficits are off thechart. So-called “stimulus” spending has proven to be good at stim-ulating jobs, if one is a government worker! Obama-care threatensto nationalize our health care system, further weakening innova-tion and quality of care. Constitutional limits seem to be discardedat the flip of a switch, as a federal behemoth gone mad regularly

violates its Constitutionally-defined limits. Yet in our world-view, we possess the tools to create jobs. We possess the answerfor disastrous inflationary policies. We believe in the rule oflaw. We have a message for the younger generations that prom-ises them liberty, yet advocates individual responsibility. eseissues warrant continued discussion, and to that end our com-mittee will continue to work to identify on which the Club canhave the greatest influence.

Political and economiccommentary that lacks akinder and gentler focus

www.davidbahnsen.com