Hunter aces two major Texas Straw polls…receives a huge “kick” for his campaign
Fort Worth, Texas. September 2, 2007…Texas residents gave Duncan Hunter his second Texas victory with huge margin in the statewide GOP straw poll Saturday (Sept. 1). The California Congressman more than doubled his vote over the next nearest contender. Only GOP party activists who had been a delegate or alternate to a recent GOP state or national convention were qualified to vote.
Hunter, ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, serving his 14th term in Congress, said his message of strong national security seemed to resonate with the Texas delegates. “I think we go on to great things, and we're going to carry this message for a strong America,'' added Hunter, who also won the Coryell County, Texas Presidential straw poll last month, with a whopping 35% of the vote.
“We are elated with the confidence the Texan voters gave us Saturday in their straw poll. We simply presented our vision for solutions to current problems, and the residents listened. We are gratified with this vote, “said Hunter.
Hunter received 41.1% of the vote total from the delegates casting their ballots, beating Fred Thompson, more than two to one. Texas candidate Ron Paul, finishing with only 16.17% of the votes had expected a stronger finish in his home state but was defeated by Hunter almost three to one. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee finished fourth with 6.4% followed by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani who received 6% of the votes. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney finished in sixth place with 4.7%.
Sharing the remaining 61 votes (4.74%) was counter-terrorism candidates Ray McKinney, snaring 28 votes, topping Senator John McCain, Senator Sam Brownback, Congressman Tom Tancredo, Chicago businessman John Cox and Hugh Cort
Hunter’s Texas victory adds to the long list of straw polls that he has won in Southern and Western States. His message of strong border security, fair trade policies with China, and returning high paying jobs back to Americans has resonated with the residents of the state. “We know when we have the opportunity to present our vision of protecting America, the voters get the message. We are taking this vision for a greater future to every state in the union,” said Hunter.
