Thread: Hunter out to capture White House

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington ... nter_x.htm

Hunter out to capture White House
Posted 2/1/2007 10:16 PM ET
By William M. Welch, USA TODAY
LOS ANGELES — Rep. Duncan Hunter sees his opening in the race for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination as the conservative's conservative.
"I believe strongly in this nation that we can have a new American sunrise of opportunity, faith and freedom," he says. "I think this is a time for the type of leadership I can offer."

Hunter, 58, is a veteran congressman from eastern San Diego County who chaired the House Armed Services Committee for the last four of the dozen years that Republicans controlled the House of Representatives.

That job made him well-known to Capitol insiders and a favorite of defense contractors, who found in him a staunch supporter of the Pentagon and of high-tech weapons systems.

He lost his chairmanship when Democrats won control of the House in November. He made his presidential candidacy official last month, basing it on three principles:

•A hard line on illegal immigration.

•Cracking down on countries, mainly China, that he says are killing American manufacturing with unfair trade policies.

•Unwavering support for a strong military and for the war in Iraq, including President Bush's addition of more than 20,000 U.S. troops.

"Over the next five to 10 years, clearly national security is going to be a major focus for our country," Hunter says after being asked why he is running. "I've concentrated on that function of government for the last 26 years in the House of Representatives."

Hunter announced his candidacy last week in South Carolina, one of the earliest primary states. With a big military presence and an apparel and textile industry hit hard by foreign competition, South Carolina will probably be a place where Hunter must do well to gain entry to the top tier of GOP hopefuls.

"He's very much a long shot," says Jack Pitney, professor of government at Claremont McKenna College in California and former head of research for the Republican National Committee. "He sees a niche for a social conservative with a strong defense background," he says. "He's putting a steel beam on the beach and hoping lightning will strike."

Hunter has solid claim to his conservative credentials. He was one of the sponsors of a law Congress passed last year authorizing construction of 700 miles of fencing along much of the U.S.-Mexican border, and he claims credit for fencing already in place along the border at San Diego. He says the millions of immigrants in the USA illegally should be sent home and told to apply for visas if they want to come back.

"As president, I will complete the border fence in six months," he says.

On trade, he accuses China of devaluing its currency to make its goods cheaper in the USA. He says he would tear up trade deals with China and demand more favorable ones. He sees China as a security threat, too.

"China is arming, and they're doing it with American trade dollars," he says.

On Iraq, he firmly supports Bush's decision to go to war. "I think going in was the right thing to do," he says.

Hunter grew up in Riverside, Calif., the son of a conservative activist and home builder who worked for Barry Goldwater's and Richard Nixon's campaigns and lost his own race for Congress in 1968.

In 1980, at age 32, Hunter defeated a Democratic House incumbent as the GOP picked up more than 30 House seats in the election that put Ronald Reagan in the White House.

Hunter dropped out of high school to join the Marines and earned a Bronze Star as helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War. He became a lawyer after leaving the service. A son, Marine 1st Lt. Duncan Duane Hunter, recently returned from a second tour of duty in Iraq.

I like Hunter and Tancredo both, I just pray that one of them makes it to the top. My worse nightmare is that McCain will be the GOP candidate, the only thing I could do then is refrain from voting.

Music to my ears!

"As president, I will complete the border fence in six months," he says.

Finally, now we know how to get that darn border fenced!

"Over the next five to 10 years, clearly national security is going to be a major focus for our country," Hunter says after being asked why he is running. "I've concentrated on that function of government for the last 26 years in the House of Representatives."

He's right, especially if we fail in Iraq. If we are forced to pull out of Iraq before the Iraqi government has absolute power and control, I expect the terrorist to regroup and start concentrating on how to destroy as many Americans as possible (again). Right now our military is keeping the terrorist focused on Iraq, however, that focus will change if we pull out before the Iraqi government is in a position of control. Hey, I'm entitled to my opinion.

On trade, he accuses China of devaluing its currency to make its goods cheaper in the USA. He says he would tear up trade deals with China and demand more favorable ones. He sees China as a security threat, too.

"China is arming, and they're doing it with American trade dollars," he says.

IMO, China is physically our biggest threat in the world (Iran pails in comparison). Furthermore, I don't believe they will hesitate to strike out at us militarily should push come to shove. For years we've all but ignored China's arms and military buildup because of our insatiable desire for their cheap goods. The country's consistent defense spending on aircraft, missiles and ships is giving China longer-range military capabilities. China expansion of reach with conventional weapons are not the only concern, the country has also improved its nuclear capability with more and improved ballistic missiles. Remember, the United States has officially stated it would defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China, and China has said it would invade if the country officially declared its independence. A showdown could be in the cards. We need someone in the White House with enough vision to see what is happening and isn't afraid to deal with it.

Additionally, China's cheap junk is almost single handily destroying our manufacturing base. Our free trade agreements have made it extremely difficult for American businesses to compete for the American dollar. This is having a domino effect which is causing job outsourcing, lower wages, fewer benefits such as business sponsored and/or co-payed healthcare, etc. Everyone in Congress knows this, however, very few are willing to discuss it. Duncan Hunter has my appreciation for his candor on the issue and his desire to fix the problem.

As hard as this is for me to admit (I'm a registered Republican), I also have gained a deep appreciation for Sen. Dorgan (D-ND) for his stance on the issue of "fair trade." He's constantly on the Senate floor speaking out against our failed policies in trade. Too bad he's not running as a presidential candidate because he also voted against amnesty for illegal immigrants (one of four Democrats in the Senate to do so).

I agree as wrong as it was to attack Iraq in the begging we cannot afford look weak or enept now ,it to late for that, we are already looking like cowards, but I think we can come back if we get a president that can secure our borders and not look like a weak ninny. I would like to say Impeach Bush, then what Cheny?

Originally Posted by nittygritty

My worse nightmare is that McCain will be the GOP candidate

Mine too Nitty. But honestly, I don't think it is going to happen. I think he will be in the lead, or near the lead right up until the end, then will pull a Howard Dean and someone else will emerge.... hopefully, one of our guys.

Originally Posted by nittygritty

I like Hunter and Tancredo both, I just pray that one of them makes it to the top. My worse nightmare is that McCain will be the GOP candidate, the only thing I could do then is refrain from voting.

I agree.

Sure hope Hunter and Tancredo do well. Darn money seems to be so much of the issue doesn't it? Not right that whoever has the most money gets to the top. We can hope they force other candidates to discuss the illegal immigration disaster eh? Who knows? If they can get their messages out they may do better than anyone expects!

Originally Posted by jean

Sure hope Hunter and Tancredo do well. Darn money seems to be so much of the issue doesn't it? Not right that whoever has the most money gets to the top. We can hope they force other candidates to discuss the illegal immigration disaster eh? Who knows? If they can get their messages out they may do better than anyone expects!

Unfortunately Jean, I agree. It is all about the money.

jean wrote:

Darn money seems to be so much of the issue doesn't it? Not right that whoever has the most money gets to the top.

I agree, it's sad state of affairs when money is oftentimes the "DECIDER." Sorry for using Bush's favorite word.