Indicted California congressman argues for another term

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


By MICHAEL R. BLOOD Associated Press OCTOBER 15, 2019 — 12:10AM

LOS ANGELES — At turns fiery and defiant, indicted U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter on Monday argued that he is the best candidate to hold his Southern California seat in a field of rival Republicans and suggested they should look elsewhere for political opportunities.

"I've got this seat," Hunter said at a San Diego County Republican Party forum, with three other candidates seated beside him, including former GOP Rep. Darrell Issa.

"I've won this seat in the worst of times. I'm still fighting from this seat. I'm still fighting for you," he told party members who are considering making an endorsement in the race.

The federal charges against the 42-year-old lawmaker came up only glancingly throughout the hour-long forum, but they are an overarching issue in a contest in which the Republican candidates largely agree on immigration, opposition to abortion, defense of the Second Amendment and support for President Donald Trump.

Read more: http://www.startribune.com/indicted-congressman-seeks-gop-nod-for-another-term/563103842/

[NBachers]

1. Was his wife there too, or was she off on another vacation / shopping spree with his campaign funds?

[paleotn]

5. Probably still fulfilling her plea deal.

She flip on him after he tossed her under the bus.

[diva77]

2. Indicted U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter running against car thief Darrel Issa

This is what Rush Limburger & Fux Noise, and all wingnut radio and teevee glorifies

[KelleyKramer]

3. No kidding, two criminals running against each other

Pretty much sums up the Republican party today doesn't it

[yellowcanine]

4. Car thief, arsonist and insurance fraudster.

[diva77]

8. thank you for fleshing out more of the gory details!

[Liberty Belle]

6. The San Diego GOP voted not to endorse anyone in the race until after the primary.

A slap in the face to Hunter who is toast, already polling at just 11% in a field of 7 candidates, below 2 of the other 3 Republicans. I suspect the 4th will surpass him soon, too.

[BigmanPigman]

7. That's good news but is Issa second place?

[Liberty Belle]

10. Issa did not get a single vote from the GOP central committee, a real slap in the face.

State Senator Brian Jones got the most, among Central Committee members.

That may not be the case in public polling. Jones isn't a very memorable name, unlike Issa and DeMaio.

But honestly to me, Jones has earned support from his party. He lives in the district. He's represented 60% of its voters as State senator and before that, Assemblyman.

He has a solid conservative record that fits the party but has also gotten legislation passed in a Democratic-controlled legislature so knows how to work across the aisle.

He's young, good looking, and generally respectful in his dealings with others. He has good staff who do a great job on casework (they've helped me with ore than one issue involving the DMV).

It should rightfully be an honest race between Jones and Ammar Campa-Najjar, the Democratic endorsed candidate who also lives in the district and nearly beat Hunter the last time. That would be a fair race based on ideologies and issues.

DeMaio and Issa are carpetbaggers who don't live in the district and don't care about the people who do. They've both had ethical challenges and most people I know don't want either of them, even Republicans.

[NCjack]

9. Be nice if Hunter win the nomination and gets a prison sentence in

late October 2020.

[Liberty Belle]

11. Amen but he's actually polling below most other candidates.