Duncan Hunter

Duncan Lee Hunter (born May 31, 1948) is a 14-term Republican Congressman from California who ran for the Republican nomination for President in 2008. He is a Vietnam veteran who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 right after college. He fought in the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1971 in the Army Rangers' 75th Ranger Regiment, attached to the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He received a Bronze Star for his service in 24 helicopter combat assaults. He also participated in small-number, night-time reconnaissance patrols. He held the rank of First Lieutenant, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, and service ribbons such as the Vietnam Service Medal.

After serving in the military, he worked his way through law school with farming and construction jobs. Once an attorney, he practiced in a storefront office where he often provided free legal services to the poor.

In 1980 he achieved a big political upset in challenging and defeating Democratic incumbent Lionel van Deerlin in a Democratic-leaning San Diego-based district, which was redrawn to be solidly Republican in 1982. Since the redrawing, Hunter has won reelection. He consistently wins 70% of the vote in the solidly Republican 52nd district of California. His voting record is virtually 100% conservative in Congress, often taking the lead on controversial issues. Hunter is a proponent of fair trade rather than free trade.

Married since 1973, Hunter has two sons, one of whom is a First Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps who was deployed to Iraq. Hunter's son plan to runs for the congressional seat being vacated by Hunter.

In January 2007, Hunter attracted attention by winning a non-binding straw poll of Republican precinct committeemen in Arizona's most-populated county, even though Arizona is home to Senator John McCain.

He dropped out from the race after a disappointing showing in Nevada and endorsed Mike Huckabee.