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Bendinelli: Who is Duncan Hunter?
A look at a candidate lacking in sidewalk chalk
Ryan Bendinelli
Issue date: 11/29/07 Section: Opinion
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One of these candidates is Congressman Duncan Hunter, a representative from Southern California. First and foremost, this is not meant to be an endorsement or rejection of Congressman Hunter. However, as the evening news and daily papers will undoubtedly saturate voters with information on Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, it seems a fitting role to find an alternative topic of discussion.
Hunter was elected to Congress in 1980. Since that time he has served on the House Armed Services Committee, acting as chairperson from 2002-2006. The committee is responsible for all legislation dealing with national security and defense.
Hunter's experience on the committee has given him more hands-on experience in dealing with the war in Iraq than most other candidates for president right now. Similar to John McCain, whose sons are enlisted in the military, Hunter's son will be returning for a third tour of duty in Iraq. His Web site contains a video explaining his ideas for preparing Iraqis to take responsibility for their own security.
Hunter believes that a primary element of the United States' national security policy should be a stronger missile defense program. He has also been one of the strongest advocates for more intense border security. The Congressman was a sponsor of the bill that established the border fence project last year.
A major difference between Hunter and many of his rivals for the Republican nomination is his view of abortion and the role of federal judges. Fred Thompson, the candidate endorsed by the National Right to Life, does not support a Constitutional Amendment that would outlaw abortion. However, Hunter fully supports this measure.
Furthermore, Hunter is much more blunt than most in his judicial philosophy. Many take the stance on abortion that their chief concern is judicial activism. Hunter promise son his Web site, "I will not appoint judges who do not believe that the unborn are precious and should be protected."
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 6
Daniel Chapin
posted 11/29/07 @ 6:41 PM EST
Thanks for posting this very informative piece about Rep. Duncan Hunter. He is the candidate that conservatives like myself have been waiting for. He has a consistant conservative record without flip-flops and he is both a strong social and a strong fiscal conservative. (Continued…)
Chad
posted 11/30/07 @ 2:45 PM EST
The reason his candidacy has not taken off is money. He simply hasn't raised enough money to publicize his message. It's unfortunate, because I think if more conservatives heard his views, he would have a lot more support. (Continued…)
Conservative.Kyle
Kyle
posted 11/30/07 @ 6:41 PM EST
I recently discovered Duncan Hunter (or rather realized how good of a candidate he would be.) So I started to ask people at school if they had heard of him, and I soon came to the conclusion that he needs to frikkin campaign more. (Continued…)
Joanne S. Kemmerer
posted 12/02/07 @ 4:38 PM EST
Thank you for your concise and accurate comments. I have sent modest support to Hunter and would love to know why more do not know about him. He has introduced the Life at Conception Act for years. (Continued…)
Bob
posted 12/17/07 @ 11:33 AM EST
Duncan Hunter is also not a free-traitor. He will bring the Reagan Democrats back. He will bring the Republican Party back to its 'America First' position as opposed to 'America Last' of the globalist scum leading the Republicans right now. (Continued…)
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