Thursday, January 25, 2007

Duncan Hunter is Running for President

"Let's begin this race for the American Presidency and let's win"

Rep. Duncan Hunter this morning announced that he will be seeking the Republican nomination for President of the United States.

Hunter made the announcement in the crucial early voting state of South Carolina which he called the arsenal of democracy. "Nobody wins the nomination without winning South Carolina", he said.

Hunter is a 14 term representative from California (52nd District).

A strong anti immigration and pro military advocate, Hunter is said to have little support outside of California.

And he is joining a very extensive GOP field, with more announcements expected to come in the next few weeks. Chuck Hagel is seriously considering a bid, and Mike Huckabee is in Iowa next week in what is expected to be the precursor to a run for the nomination.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

New Border Fence Affordable - Hunter

Duncan Hunter yesterday repeated his ongoing commitment to the border security of America

Hunter said that the new border fence between America and Mexico is affordable and can be built for a lot less than some are reporting.

According to the Congressional Research Office, the cost to build the 700mile fence could be as much as $50 billion.

Hunter disputes this, saying he has seen bids from fencing companies that say it can be built for less than one twentieth of that amount.

Hunter will fight for the allocation of funds in Congress for this "..much needed and common-sense approach to achieving an enforceable border."

"Through the implementation of additional border fencing and its accompanying infrastructure, our borders will truly be our first line of defense and not our greatest vulnerability," Hunter said in a statement.

Hunter Supports Iraq Surge but says use more Iraqi Troops

Duncan Hunter has said that more Iraqi troops should be used to help secure the peace, and the training that they have undertaken under the Americans should be utilized. However, he has also supported the President Bush plan for an escalation to the war in Iraq.

Hunter said that after consulting with military leaders, President Bush has a plan and "..I think it's incumbent upon us, in light of the fact that we are engaged in combat right now, that reinforcements have been requested, that they are needed".

As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, Hunter has made a number of recommendations to President Bush, many of which he says have been adopted.

Hunter said that it was too soon to tell if America was winning the war, and we may not know for perhaps 5 years after America leaves.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Hunter forms Exploratory Committee

Duncan Hunter, long term Representative from California's 52nd District, announced yesterday that he has filed papers to form an exploratory committee to run for the Republican nomination for President.

Hunter, 58, announced that he would be a candidate last October, but will formally declare in South Carolina later this month.

In his press statement, Hunter said that “Our citizens deserve a new American sunrise of opportunity, faith and freedom".

Hunter was the recent Chair of the House Armed Services Commitee before the Democratic takover of Congress. Hunter's record includes a tough stance against immigration from Mexico and trade issues with China.

Hunter is considered an outside chance for the nomination, but has already made visits to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, key early states in the Republican primaries. Expect more visits over the coming months.

Hunter has been in Congress since 1981, making him one of the most senior Representatives. However, his popularity within the GOP is said to be limited.