Posted on 01/30/2007 8:24:28 AM PST by GulfBreeze
|
|||||
|
|||||
NEWINGTON — Add one more to the field of ever-growing candidates for the upcoming presidential election.
Republican U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter formally announced his presidential bid in New Hampshire on Monday, citing top issues as ending "unfair trade deals" with such countries as China and securing the country's borders with Mexico.
Both strong topics for the state he represents - California.
"You come to the United States by getting a ticket to Mexico and walking across the land border. Border security is now national security. We have no way to know who's coming into our country," the 14-term congressman said in a speech to about 15 employees at Wilcox Industries.
Hunter wants to construct a double-tiered fence along the United State's southern border. He said after a similar fence was constructed along San Diego's border with Guadalajara in the mid-1990s, the number of drug smugglers and narcotic traffickers dropped by more than 90 percent and crime in San Diego fell by 50 percent.
President Bush has already signed a law that will create an 854-mile fence along the border of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas with Mexico. Hunter believes this should be extended, citing an increased safety risk in a post-911 world.
In addition, Hunter said America needs to shore up its manufacturing base, which he called its "arsenal of freedom." He spent the last four years as chairman of the Armed Service Committee and is concerned only one American company remains that produces high-grade steel used to reinforce Humvees. Reliance on such products from foreign countries could prove precarious in times of war.
America is handcuffed by unfair trade deals, Hunter said. Giving an example, Hunter said if a product cost $100 to produce in China, the Chinese government will subsidize the business $17. The Chinese are also devaluing their currency, which makes their goods less expensive.
"They have a 34-point spread on the scoreboard before opening kickoff," he said.
He said all companies deserve a fair chance to win. One reason why he said he wanted to declare his candidacy at Wilcox, which manufacturers breathing apparatus for toxic biological and chemical environments and other military equipment.
"Thank you for what you do because you give them the ability to protect their own lives while they're carrying out a very dangerous mission," he said.
Hunter was elected to Congress in 1980 and represents California's 52nd Congressional District consisting of eastern and northern San Diego County. He served in Vietnam in the 173rd Airborne and 75th Army Rangers.
Speaking afterward, Hunter said he worried about China's growing military threat. China now has 75 submarines under production and 750-100 medium-range ballistic missiles, Hunter said.
"It's not in our interest to have a one-way trade street with China that sends billions of surplus dollars to China every year that they use to buy military equipment we may face one day on the battlefield," he said.
Regarding the Iraq War, Hunter said he supports the "surge," which he said are actually reinforcements already on their way. He could not support cutting off funding. He supports the continued training of Iraqi security forces and thinks they should be rotated in for deployments of 3-4 months in the areas around Bagdad.
Bob Teagan of North Conway, a Vietnam veteran who attended the event, said he is backing Hunter for his staunch support of the military. The war on terror is his top issue. "I want a president that won't shrink from his responsibility to the American people," he said.
Free Republic has a brand new poll: If the short list for Republican Nominee were narrowed down to the following, which one would you favor?
VOTE DUNCAN HUNTER!!! ...I mean if you like the guy.
Go Hunter.
A really good looking story on Hunter.
http://www.GoHunter08.com
You are so darn fast!!!
You've got to donate $$ to Hunter! He's the only true hope for conservatives and he CAN come from what seems to some to be insurmountable odds!!!
I could mistaken, but I'm pretty sure this is incorrect.
You are correct SD borders TJ.
You are correct SD borders TJ.
Which units were Mitt and Rudy serving with? It's going to be interesting watching them standing side by side debating. It can only serve to help Hunter.
Yes, they could debate each other on abortion, gun control, gays in the military, amnesty for illegals, etc.
I would not vote for Rino Rudy no matter who he had as VP. I do not vote for liberals.
Yes yes, we've all heard that before.
But what is so bad about trying to appeal to all wings of the Republican party---AND the moderates and independents crucial to victory in the general election?
There are conservatives who can do that.
Name 1 (one).
Looks like McJuliomney is losing.
GOOD!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.