Duncan Hunter Last Update: 10/15/07 Biography

republican Party Duncan Hunter 2008 Candidate for President of the United States of America Campaign Website | Candidate Forum

			Issues

(Select An Issue to Jump Directly) Abortion Affirmative Action Darfur Death Penalty Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Energy Plan Free Trade Global Warming Guantanamo Bay Detainment Camp Gun Control Health Care Immigration Iran Iraq Plan Kyoto Protocol Medical Marijuana Military Funding National Deficit Net Neutrality No Child Left Behind Act Outsourcing Same-Sex Marriage School Vouchers Social Security Stem Cell Research Tax Reform The Military Commissions Act of 2006 The Patriot Act Top Contributors & Amounts Unemployment

	Duncan Hunter on Abortion
	Stance: Pro-Life Description: Suppports a Right to Life Amendment: "I would amend the U.S. Constitution and provide blanket protection to all unborn children from the moment of conception by prohibiting any state or federal law that denies the personhood of the unborn. Likewise, I have also introduced the Right to Life Act, which would legally define "personhood" as the moment of conception and, therefore, guarantee all constitutional rights and protections, including life, to the unborn without utilizing a constitutional amendment." Citations: 1. Hunter's Core Principles (7/24/07) Hunter's positions on a variety of key election issues from his official website.

	Duncan Hunter on Affirmative Action
	Stance: Very limited affirmative action Description: Representative Duncan Hunter believes affirmative action should be used in very limited circumstances. Citations: 1. An Interview With Duncan Hunter (8/21/07) John Hawkins: Affirmative Action. Duncan Hunter: I'm for a very conservative approach to Affirmative Action. John Hawkins: So, the one where you basically just tell people about the job, but you don't give any preference based on race? Duncan Hunter: I would say it's in very, very limited areas where Affirmation Action - I would say building opportunity, affording opportunity, but not giving hand-outs.

	Duncan Hunter on Darfur
	Stance: Implement U.N peacekeeping force Description: Hunter has voted for in favor of a U.N. peacekeeping force and has opposed increasing aid to Darfur. The Genocide Intervention Network gave Hunter a 'D' rating on his Darfur scorecard. Citations: 1. Darfur Scorecard: Duncan Hunter (8/13/07) What Hunter has done in reference to Darfur.

	Duncan Hunter on Death Penalty
	Stance: Supports Description: Hunter has voted no on replacing the death penalty with life imprisonment. Citations:

	Duncan Hunter on Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
	Stance: Supports drilling Description: Hunter voted "no" on prohibiting oil drilling and development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Citations: 1. Amendment to Energy Policy Act of 2003 Roll Call (11/26/07) Voted no on an amendment to the "Energy Policy Act of 2003," which would have eliminated the authorization for oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

	Duncan Hunter on Energy Plan
	Stance: Achieve energy independence through support of alternate energy. Description: Hunter supports energy independence from the Middle East and offering tax breaks or credits for alternate fuels. Citations: 1. California Republican debate transcript (8/8/07) Transcript from the debate where Hunter outlines his energy plan. 2. Energy Policy Act of 2005 Roll Call (11/26/07) Voted yes on an amendment to the "Energy Policy Act of 2005," which would have raised automobile fuel standards to 33 mpg by 2015.

	Duncan Hunter on Free Trade
	Stance: Opposes Description: Hunter has been characterized as a free trade skeptic, especially with regard to agreements with China. He opposed the creation of free trade agreement's with Chile and Singapore, but voted in favor of the agreement with Oman in 2006. Hunter voted against both NAFTA and CAFTA, and has said that both trade agreements were "bad deals" that he would "junk" if elected president. Hunter has opposed legislative efforts to extend normal trade relations to China and he voted in favor of House resolutions expressing disapproval of granting such status to China on several occasions. Citations: 1. Republican Candidates on Trade (7/26/07) Hunter is a 'free trade skeptic' 2. Duncan Hunter's Story (7/26/07) Talks about Hunter's free trade skepticism. 3. Duncan Hunter: U.S. Multinationals Have Become Chinese Corporations (7/26/07) Explains that Hunter sounds like an anti-free trade populist.

	Duncan Hunter on Global Warming
	Stance: Has not stated whether he believes global warming is a natural phenomenon or is a product of humans Description: Regardless of the cause of global warming, Hunter feels that we need to cut our carbon emissions and achieve energy independence. Citations: 1. Republican Debate Transcript, Simi Valley California, May 3, 2007 (8/6/07) "... I think that global warming and the need to be energy-independent gives us a great opportunity. I think we should bring together all of our colleges, our universities, the private sector, government laboratories, and undertake what, for this next generation, will be a great opportunity and a great challenge to remove energy dependence on the Middle East and, at the same time, help the climate. I think we can do that. We need to take taxes down to zero for the alternative energy sources. We need to make sure that all the licensing from our laboratories that goes to the private sector goes to the American manufacturing sector for these energy systems." 2. Candidate warns against leaving Iraq half finished (11/26/07) "Few people in global warming can tell you exactly what's happening. And there is a difference in opinion as to how fast because ice ages have come and gone, how much of the country would be warming, how much the glaciers are receding -- how much of that is attributable to mankind, and how much of it is attributable to the natural cycle? But I don't think you have to answer that question to do what I've recommended. I think we have lots of reasons to be energy independent." - Duncan Hunter 3. Duncan Hunter '08? (10/4/07) Hunter also weighed in on global warming, saying that regardless of what the studies say, the U.S. should explore alternative fuel sources for use by the Department of Defense. The military has an interest in being able to run its operations off a renewable source, he said.

	Duncan Hunter on Guantanamo Bay Detainment Camp
	Stance: Supports its use Description: Hunter has spoken out against any attempts to close Guantanamo. His primary grievance is that transferring detainees to facilities in the United States would allow detainees to "acquire minimal rights under the Constitution, in particular, the right to habeas corpus." He warned that this would stall the military commission process "for the foreseeable future, and none of the detainees at Guantanamo would be brought to justice." Citations: 1. Claim: Gitmo closure would aid terrorists (8/29/07) Closing the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay would help terror suspects escape justice, a U.S. presidential candidate said. 2. Keep Prison Open (10/17/07) Duncan Hunter believes the Guantanamo Bay Detainment Camp should stay open.

	Duncan Hunter on Gun Control
	Stance: Opposes Gun Control Description: "... the Second Amendment is not about hunting. It is about the right of you and me to be secure in our homes. We must vigorously defend against all attempts to chip away at the Second Amendment. You know as well as I do that there is one thing criminals prefer over any other: unarmed victims." - Duncan Hunter Citations: 1. Second Amendment (7/26/07) He talks about how much he supports the 2nd amendment.

	Duncan Hunter on Health Care
	Stance: Allow citizens to buy health insurance across state lines Description: At the republican debate on June 5, 2007, Duncan Hunter said, "Here's what we have to do: We need to be able to buy our health care insurance across state lines, Wolf. Right now the same single policy that can be purchased in Long Beach for $73 costs $334 in New Jersey." Citations: 1. Republican Presidential Debate, June 5, 2007 (8/6/07) "Eighty percent of the new drugs and new inventions that save our lives, that help preserve the lives of the relatives of everyone who's in this particular room right now, 80 percent of those inventions are made in the United States because we have free enterprise, where people can go out, invest. And maybe they drill three dry holes in trying to produce a good drug that will save somebody's lives. Then maybe they hit the jackpot and they produce something that will save people and help their health. They then recover their money in the United States. And what they have left over, in terms of market, they put into the Third World. But Third World countries like Mexico could never provide the amount of money that it takes to make those inventions. Otherwise, they would. Here's what we have to do: We need to be able to buy our health care insurance across state lines, Wolf. Right now the same single policy that can be purchased in Long Beach for $73 costs $334 in New Jersey. The states lock up the insurance industry. They won't let Americans buy across state lines, just like they do everything else. If we're able to do that... ... we're going to bring down the cost of health insurance."

	Duncan Hunter on Immigration
	Stance: Build a border fence Description: In 1994, Hunter legislatively mandated the construction of 14 miles of security fencing on the international land border separating San Diego County and Tijuana, Mexico. Subsequently, San Diego's crime rate decreased 53% from 1994 to 2006 and the smuggling of illegal immigrants and narcotics decreased by over 90%, according to the FBI. Pointing to the success of the San Diego Border Fence, Hunter introduced legislation calling for the construction of a reinforced fence along the entire U.S.-Mexico border. After successfully adding an amendment to a House-passed bill that ultimately stalled in House-Senate negotiations, Hunter's amendment was later incorporated into H.R. 6061, the Secure Fence Act, introduced by New York Congressman Peter King. He has said that if he becomes President, the 754 mile double layer border fence will be built in less than 12 months. Citations: 1. Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07) a collection of quotes 2. Hunter on the Senate Immigration Bill (7/24/07) Talks down about the immigration bill. 3. Lou Dobbs Tonight - Duncan Hunter Interview (7/24/07) An interview with Hunter about border control and immigration. 4. Duncan Hunter on the Border Fence (7/24/07) Duncan Hunter shows his support for the border fence. 5. Why we need a Border Fence (7/24/07) Duncan Hunter speaks about the need for a border fence 6. Lou Dobbs Tonight 03.29.07 - Duncan Hunter Interview (10/9/07) Hunter interview where he wants Truckers coming from Mexico to be checked. 7. Duncan Hunter Speech (10/22/07) He talks about his commitment to build the border fence in Texas (6th minute).

	Duncan Hunter on Iran
	Stance: Believes Iran is supporting Iraqi insurgents against U.S. forces; use sanctions to stop nuclear program Description: Representative Duncan Hunter believes Iran is helping to kill U.S. troops in Iraq. He also supports stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons by using strong economic sanctions. He cosponsored the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act, which strengthens the sanctions implemented by the 1996 Iran and Libya Sanctions Act. Citations: 1. Republican Debate Transcript, Simi Valley California, May 3, 2007 (8/6/07) "You know, right now, right now, Iran is moving equipment into Iraq that is being used to kill Americans. Iran has crossed the line, and the United States has absolute license at this point to take whatever actions are necessary to stop those deadly instruments from being moved across the line, being used in explosives, roadside bombs, inside Iraq. And lastly, you know, we don't -- we should not get to the edge of the cliff on this enrichment of uranium. And plutonium to be used for a nuclear weapon in Iran -- the United States needs to move very quickly..." 2. Hunter Calls for Economic Sanctions Against Iran (8/13/07) U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) today called for strong economic sanctions to be levied against Iran in order to deter its nuclear enrichment program. The senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee joined other senior House Republicans as sponsors of the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007 (H.R. 1400).

	Duncan Hunter on Iraq Plan
	Stance: Supports the war, train Iraqi troops. Description: "There is an important mission in Iraq. If we can have a country in that strategic location which is a friend, not an enemy, of the United States, which has a modicum of representative government, a modicum of freedom for its people, and will not be a state sponsor of terrorism for the next five to ten to fifteen years; that is in America's interest." - Duncan Hunter Citations: 1. Iraq War Resolution (7/24/07) His speech to the house. 2. The War on Terror (7/24/07) His speech on terror and his plan for Iraq. 3. The Right Thing to Do (7/24/07) A Q A with Hunter 4. Iraq Debate a 'Disservice' to Troops (7/24/07) "The idea that Congress pulls the rug out from under the soldiers as they're actually carrying the mission out, by condemning this mission . . . I thought it was a disservice to our soldiers. There is a right way to leave Iraq and that is to continue to rotate Iraqi battalions that we've trained and equipped into the fight." 5. Duncan Hunter Speech (10/22/07) He talks about phasing in Iraqi troops and phasing out U.S. troops. Start talking about Iraq about the 5th minute.

	Duncan Hunter on Kyoto Protocol
	Stance: Opposes Kyoto Protocol Description: He opposes the Kyoto Protocol, voting "no" against it in June, 2000. Citations:

	Duncan Hunter on Medical Marijuana
	Stance: Against medical marijuana. Would have medical marijuana users arrested if elected. Description: Rep. Hunter has stated clearly that if elected he would to have Californians raided and arrested by DEA agents for using medical marijuana legally under California state law. He has also consistently voted in opposition to legislation that would have protected medical marijuana patients and caregivers participating in medical marijuana programs. Citations: 1. Duncan Hunter on Medical Marijuana (7/23/07) How much he hates mm. 2. Most Candidates Back Medical Marijuana Patient Protection (7/23/07) Talks about Hunter and his stance on mm.

	Duncan Hunter on Military Funding
	Stance: Increase funding to increase size of military Description: Hunter wants to see a larger Army and Marine Corps. Citations: 1. '08 hopefuls would grow the military (8/14/07) Among the Republicans, McCain, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.), former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Rep. Duncan Hunter (Calif.) want to see a larger Army and Marine Corps.

	Duncan Hunter on National Deficit
	Stance: Limit the growth of the government in non-defense areas, get additional revenue from economic growth Description: "I support a balanced federal budget, with additional revenue provided by economic growth, not increased taxes. Further, I support limiting growth in non-defense areas." - Duncan Hunter Citations: 1. Balanced Budget (10/7/07) I support a balanced federal budget, with additional revenue provided by economic growth, not increased taxes. Further, I support limiting growth in non-defense areas.

	Duncan Hunter on Net Neutrality
	Stance: Has not yet taken a public opinion Description: Has not yet taken a public opinion Citations: 1. 2008 Candidates Split Over 'Net Neutrality' (8/13/07) Says Hunter hasn't taken a position yet.

	Duncan Hunter on No Child Left Behind Act
	Stance: Needs reform but is a step in the right direction Description: Hunter cosponsored the the Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success (A-Plus) Act of 2007, legislation reforming the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. The A-Plus Act specifically provides states and schools flexibility to improve student achievement without burdensome federal regulations and restrictions. Hunter says "Students and teachers must be empowered to reach their maximum potential and NCLB has put us back on track towards achieving better results in the classroom. As Congress considers reauthorizing NCLB, it is important that we continue building on this success and address any challenges that may be preventing students and teachers from reaching their full potential." Citations: 1. Hunter Joins Effort To Reform Education Policy (7/26/07) Hunter says the NCLB is working but needs reform and talks about A-PLUS and its benefits.

	Duncan Hunter on Outsourcing
	Stance: Outsourcing greatly weakens the economy; Keeping jobs in the U.S. should be one of our biggest priorities Description: "Our job is to create economic opportunity for the next generation... We have lost already over a million jobs to communist China. High paying jobs. And when you take a manufacturing job thats worth 75,000 bucks a year and you set it in China, you replace it with a $15,000 - $20,000 job, you afford to lose opportunity to young Americans. So maintaining a economic base that will serve the next generation is out biggest obligation." - Duncan Hunter Citations: 1. Duncan Hunter talks after the Aug. 5 debate (10/3/07) Hunter talks about how negative outsourcing is and how we have lost one million jobs to china. 2. Duncan Hunter Speech (10/22/07) Duncan Hunter's speech at the Townhall.com Texas Republican Straw Poll where he talks about how there are so few companies here.

	Duncan Hunter on Same-Sex Marriage
	Stance: Opposes Same-Sex Marriage Description: Representative Duncan Hunter opposes same-sex marriage. He voted for a constitutional amendment to define marriage as being between a man and a woman. Citations: 1. Same-sex marriage: Election Center 2008 (7/25/07) Opposes same-sex marriage and supports a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman. 2. Final Vote Results For Roll Call 378 (7/25/07) Representative Duncan Hunter voted for a constitutional amendment to define marriage as being between a man and a woman.

	Duncan Hunter on School Vouchers
	Stance: Supports Vouchers Description: "I support taking the actions necessary to strengthen our public educational system and school vouchers are a great opportunity to provide students and their families with additional educational choices. According to national studies, a significant percentage of high school students have difficulty reading at a proficient level, test well below the international average in math and science, and lack basic knowledge in history. Clearly, parents have a reason to be concerned. Many Americans support innovative plans that address our current education shortcomings and I believe school vouchers are an effective way of achieving this goal." - Duncan Hunter Citations: 1. Core Principles (8/7/07) Hunter's stance on education from his official campaign website.

	Duncan Hunter on Social Security
	Stance: Allow partial privatization and strength the economy Description: Duncan Hunter feels that the first thing we do is to strengthen the economy because we need to get a lot of money from high social security withholdings. The next thing we need to do is allow people to take some of their money and put it in private accounts with a better return rate. Citations: 1. Duncan Hunter at Iowa Straw Poll on Social Security Reform (10/15/07) Congressman Hunter talks about Social Security reform with at the Iowa Straw poll.

	Duncan Hunter on Stem Cell Research
	Stance: Opposes Embryonic Stem Cell Research Description: Representative Duncan Hunter has repeatedly voted against government support of embryonic stem cell research. Citations: 1. Republican Debate Transcript (7/24/07) REP. HUNTER: No. I'd like to show Mrs. Reagan the alternatives, which are adult stem cells. 2. Vote Results For Roll Call 204 (7/24/07) Duncan Hunter voted no on allowing human embryonic stem cell research. 3. Vote Results For Roll Call 20 (7/24/07) Representative Duncan Hunter votes no to expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines.

	Duncan Hunter on Tax Reform
	Stance: Supports eliminating manufacturing taxes and implementing the Fair Tax; also supports tariffs on imports from China Description: Congressman Duncan Hunter supports eliminating manufacturing taxes for corporations that stay in the U.S. and hire American workers. He also supports tariffs on Chinese imports to keep manufacturing jobs in the U.S. Hunter wants to eliminate the IRS and implement a Fair Tax which would act as a national sales tax to replace the income tax. Citations: 1.