2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Duncan Hunter Endorses Mike Huckabee for President

Duncan Hunter Endorses Mike Huckabee for President

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee accepted the endorsement of Congressman Duncan Hunter, the former Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, who withdrew from the Presidential race earlier this week. 

Huckabee stated, "I'm honored to have Duncan Hunter's support.  Over the past year, I have come to admire him on a personal and professional level.  We share many of the same positions on the military and immigration. I look forward to having his support as our campaign continues to surge ahead to Super Tuesday and beyond."

"I got to know Governor Huckabee well on the campaign trail. Of the remaining candidates, I feel that he is strongly committed to strengthening national defense, constructing the border fence and meeting the challenge of China's emergence as a military superpower that is taking large portions of America 's industrial base," said Congressman Hunter.

Hunter continued, "Mike Huckabee is a man of outstanding character and integrity. I saw that character over the last year of campaigning and was greatly impressed. The other Republican candidates have many strengths and I wish them all well. My personal choice is Mike Huckabee."

Huckabee called on Hunter's supporters – as well as those of former Senator Fred Thompson who also withdrew from the race -- to join his campaign. "As a true authentic conservative, I have a vision to bring hope, opportunity and prosperity to all Americans, and I welcome their support," Huckabee said.

"Today We End This Campaign" Duncan Hunter

"Today we end this campaign" Duncan Hunter
Congressman Duncan Hunter returns to San Diego tonight,

San Diego, Calif. 
We started this campaign a year ago right here, in San Diego Harbor, against the backdrop of American Naval power.   We launched a campaign emphasizing a strong national defense, enforceable borders and restoring  the industrial base of America.

Today we end this campaign.  The Nevada caucuses reflecting only 2% of the vote for me.   I ran the campaign exactly the way I wanted to, and at this point not being able to gain traction in conservative states of Nevada and South Carolina, it's time to allow our volunteers and supporters to focus on the campaigns that remain viable.

It's time for me to gear up for 2008's defense bill that will be put together over the coming weeks.  There is work to be done in the areas of troop protection and new capabilities to be deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. And over the horizon, the emergence of Communist China as a military super power will require a new emphasis on U.S. capabilities in undersea warfare, space, and long range air-power. 

The best way to maintain a new era of peace is for the U.S. to remain strong.  Over the coming year I will endeavor to help craft a defense bill that meets the new security challenges.
Since our campaign began over 200,000 additional manufacturing jobs have been lost.  1.8 million jobs have left the U.S. for China.  This fracturing of the U.S. industrial base is a long term threat to America.  I hope that the remaining candidates will recognize it and address it.   As the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, I will seek to address it.

Only hours ago a border patrolman was killed in the California Desert.  This tragedy emphasizes more than ever the compelling case for the completion of the border fence.   Since I wrote the bill that mandates 854 miles of double border fence only a few miles have been constructed.  Over the next year in Congress I will do everything in my power to get that fence built.   
Finally, for Lynn and me, the campaign over the last year has shown us this: America is a wonderful country.   Our people have great character and goodness, and the meeting of new friends has enriched our lives.

The failure of our campaign to gain traction is mine and mine alone.  But we have driven the issues of national security, the border fence, the emergence of China and the need to reverse bad trade policy.   Because of that, this campaign has been very worthwhile, and for the Hunter family, a lot of fun. 

To our friends and supporters and volunteers: many thanks.  And now it's time for me to focus on developing a 2008 defense bill that serves our troops and our nation.

Thanks, and God Bless America.
Duncan Hunter

Duncan Hunter Gains Delegate At The Wyoming Convention

Duncan Hunter Gains Delegate At The Wyoming Convention

Mitt Romney Duncan Hunter and Fred Thompson gained the first delegates for the race to the White House.  Three days before the New Hampshire primary, Republican hopefuls Romney, Hunter, Fred Thompson all won delegates in the state of Wyoming.

Now, in the ABC and Fox debates that have silenced Duncan Hunter, will host three of Hunter’s opponents that have not scored delegates in any state.

New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Fergus Cullen released the following statement regarding primary weekend debates: “Limiting the number of candidates who are invited to participate in debates is not consistent with the tradition of the first-in-the-nation primary.  The level playing field requires that all candidates be given an equal opportunity to participate – not just a select few determined by the media prior to any votes being cast.”

Well said Chairman Cullen - - another notable statement was made by Fox News chairman Roger Ailes  who said "Bias has to do with the elimination of points of view, not presenting a point of view.”  I might be interesting to hear what Mr. Ailes has to say about what Fox and ABC is doing now.  Is this fair and balanced, I do not think so.  One has to wonder if the race for President has come to who has the most money and who the media decides will be heard.

After unsuccessful attempts to convince Fox and ABC to include Congressman Hunter and Congressman Paul, Cullen announced today that the New Hampshire GOP would no longer support a Republican candidate’s forum scheduled for Sunday on FOX.

Former NH Senator Bob Smith Endorses Duncan Hunter For President

FORMER NEW HAMPSHIRE SENATOR BOB SMITH ENDORSES DUNCAN HUNTER FOR PRESIDENT
"Hunter is the Inspirational Leader America Needs"

Tuftonboro, NH–Former Senator Bob Smith, a staple of the New Hampshire Republican conservative movement, today endorsed Congressman Duncan Hunter for President of the United States.  Describing him has an "inspirational leader" and the one best qualified to carry the "Reagan Torch," Senator Smith sent a letter to his fellow conservatives throughout New Hampshire making them aware of his support, a copy of which is provided.

Smith was initially elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from 1985-1990, before being elected to the U.S. Senate where he served until 2003.  During his congressional tenure, Senator Smith established himself as a strong Republican and the most conservative leader in the Northeast.

"I am honored and privileged today to receive the endorsement of my good friend Senator Bob Smith of New Hampshire," stated Hunter.  "For many years, we have worked together to bring conservative values to Washington D.C.  On several issues, including building America's military, the sanctity of human life, and protecting American's 2nd Amendment rights, Senator Smith has led with conviction and principle.  It means a great deal to have the confidence of a leader who has done so much for our nation."

Senator Smith's endorsement letter follows:

Dear New Hampshire Friends:

"After spending several weeks listening to all of the candidates, I have decided to support Congressman Duncan Hunter for President. I do not take this decision lightly. There are a lot of fine men running for this office and I know that many of you may have already made your choice.  Your vote in the "First in the Nation Primary" is a very precious and personal right. Your decision will likely determine who will be the next leader of the free world. What an awesome responsibility! I only ask that you give serious consideration to the points that I make in this letter of endorsement for Congressman Hunter before you vote..."

Des Moines Register Debate Duncan Hunter Photo

Congressman Duncan Hunter's - "Chuck Endorsement"

Hunter uses CNN’s vast audience to unveil major endorsement
American’s No. 1 hero steps forward

November 29, 2007 San Diego, CA…More than three million Americans saw WW II hero Chuck Yeager choose his candidate for President of the United States. The general, who was first to break the speed of sound, may be the first major endorsement for California Congressman Duncan Hunter.

Yeager told the vast CNN audience during their joint debate with UTUBE, that he wanted Hunter to lead this country. “Duncan Hunter served with the 173rd Airborne and 75th Rangers in Vietnam,” said Yeager.  “As a member, and chairman of the Armed Services Committee, he has kept our country strong.  Duncan is the best candidate for President because he has integrity, tenacity, courage, and diplomacy.  He is intelligent and thoughtful, does his research and acts on it,” added Yeager.

The CNN and YouTube debate was held Wednesday night in Petersburg, Florida. The candidates submitted thirty second commercials to be aired during the debate. Yeager began the Hunter commercial with, “I am General Chuck Yeager, United States Air Force, Retired, and I endorse Duncan Hunter for president.”  His West Virginia drawl played well with the huge audience who applauded his endorsement at the conclusion of the commercial.

Yeager is familiar with military action. He shot down 13 enemy aircraft in World War II, and became the nation’s No. 1 military hero. He made world news by breaking the speed of sound in 1948, and was proclaimed, “The best pilot alive” in the movie The Right Stuff.

“Chuck Yeager’s support is incalculable,” said Hunter. “To have an American hero to support me has given our campaign a tremendous boost. He is an enormous help.”

Duncan Hunter Highligts Importance Of Veterans Day

DUNCAN HUNTER HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF VETERANS DAY

San Diego, CA - - - Presidential candidate and current Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Duncan Hunter, today made the following statement regarding Veterans Day.

"Veterans Day provides our nation the opportunity to reflect thankfully on the sacrifices of those who have served the cause of freedom.

"In the last century more than 619,000 Americans in uniform were killed on battlefields around the world protecting our nation and our way of life.

"We cannot thank them all sufficiently. It is beyond human capability to grasp the enormity of what they gave so the rest of us might enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We can, however, reflect on the unique quality of America 's veterans and their service.

"From Bunker Hill to New Orleans, Gettysburg to San Juan Hill, Belleau Wood to Normandy, Chosin Reservoir to Khe San, Desert Storm to Kabul, Baghdad to Fallujah, American veterans have represented the finest of human qualities. "Greater love hath no man than he who lays down his life for another" is what the Bible tells us. Our veterans have made that sacrifice unflinchingly, with a character that General Douglas MacArthur described as "stainless." They make the sacrifice for their comrades in arms, their "buddies" and the immediate mission at hand. But in a greater sense they have made the sacrifice for millions of Americans whom they do not know and who do not know them.

"And uniquely, American veterans have not brought subjugation to the nations they prevailed in, but rather brought freedom.  From the Philippines to Japan , to Germany , to El Salvador and Panama … America has never coveted another nation, but has only asked that freedom be followed and that the institutions of freedom be established, often with American aid.

"All of us, secure in America 's blessings can honor our veterans today. We can do this by thanking them personally, by involving ourselves in the many organizations that serve veterans and their families and, finally, we can follow their model of selflessness by helping our fellow citizens wherever we see a need."

Duncan Hunter Iowa Reagan Day Dinner Photo

Duncan Hunter At The Republican Presidential Debate Hosted By The University Of Michigan-Dearborn

HUNTER GIVES STRONG PERFORMANCE AT UM DEBATE
Michigan Continues to Demonstrate Success of Hunter Campaign

San Diego, CA- - - Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) once again proved to be a strong candidate for President with his performance at the Republican Presidential Debate hosted by the University of Michigan-Dearborn.  Hunter utilized the opportunity to promote the goals of his presidential campaign, including a major manufacturing initiative he intends to implement as President that will eliminate all federal income taxes on domestic manufacturing activities.  Hunter announced this policy at a press conference at E&E Manufacturing plant in Plymouth on Monday, where it was well received by the audience and media. 

"Those in the manufacturing business in Michigan understand how important this industry is to our country," stated Hunter.  "What was once the center of America 's "Arsenal of Democracy" has been harmed over the years by unfair trade deals that send good U.S. jobs to countries such as China .  This must end, and in a Hunter Administration it will.  As President, I will start by implementing a policy that removes all federal income taxes on domestic manufacturing activities and I will ensure that our nation no longer engages in unfair trade deals where American jobs are sent to other countries and where American trade dollars are used to build the military resources of our adversaries."

Hunter's message has been strongly resonating with Michigan citizens, demonstrated by a recent poll conducted by Lansing-based Marketing Resource Group on September 13-19, 2007, where Hunter received 7% of the vote, placing fourth out of nine candidates.  Hunter's positive ratings and strong message of promoting fair trade over free trade is also coming at a time when media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal are reporting that a rising number of Republicans are becoming skeptical of recent trade agreements that have proven to be harmful to both the American worker and economy.

Hunter Wins Texas GOP Straw Poll

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.