Posted on 10/19/2008 4:18:02 PM PDT by pissant
Duncan Hunter came to Washington State yesterday (saturday) to campaign for fellow republican, and former King County sheriff Dave Reichert. Reichert is running for his third term in congress and his opponent (for the 2nd time) is a typical dingbat liberal, anti war democrat.
Two events were scheduled. The first was a simple meet in greet at a park in the small town of Orting. The 2nd was a $1000/head event at someone's home in the swanky neighborhood of Medina. OF course, I chose the former for my opportunity to meet the retiring Hunter and to throw a few shekels in the kitty for Reicherts re-election.
The Orting event was scheduled for 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Unfortunately, Hunter's plane was delayed and he did not arrive until about 2:20. So we chit chatted with some of the people at the park and let the took the kids to lunch and let them play in the play area.
When Hunter finally arrived (about 10 mins ahead of Reichert) I was the first to greet him. I told him who I was (that pissant guy on FR) and he seemed genuinely happy to finally meet me. We had talked a couple of times on the phone - once when I set up his FreeRepublic virtual press conference last year, and then again when I called his office a couple weeks ago to urge him to vote NO on the boondoggle bailout. (As an aside, there was little doubt he would vote no, but I was delighted to catch him in his office and talked to him for about 20 minutes anyway).
After I introduced myself, I pointed to my wife and two young daughters who had accompanied me to this event. He marched right up to them and introduced himself to each of them, grinning ear to ear. (My poor wife has had to listen to me rant and rave for the last year and a half about how the GOP was ignoring this great patriot during the primary...lol).
He then mingled with the 60 or so people that were still around, including Hunter's NW campaign coordinator and a man I know - Craig Keller. He signed quite a few of the black, made in USA "Hunter" caps that Craig had brought along - which had been sold for donations to Reichert. I beleive Craig was agreed to send the remaining stock o hats down to Duncan D. Hunter for his campaign in San Diego to take the his man's place.
I also had him sign my Hunter cap to my oldest daughter.
Despite the nippy weather - which Hunter said he wasn't used to being from San Diego, he seemed genuinely happy to meet the folks. Several vets introduced themselves. Hunter commented that the area looked like prime hunting land. Oriting is a rural town in east Pierce county and beautiful Mount Ranier seems within reach.
After a few local candidates spoke for about 5 minutes each, Craig introduced Congressman Hunter. He took the mic and spoke for about 20 minutes. He mostly extolled the virtues of Congressman Reichert. He mentioned quite emphatically that both he and Reichert fought against the "socialist" bailout, and voted NO both times, despite the armtwisting going on behind the scenes.
Hunter also talked about how the "arsenal of democracy" was being offshored and how he and Reichert helped scuttle the Airbus deal for the 40 billion re-fueling tanker project. Hunter went into more detail about the importance of keeping US industries strong, especially in the defense sector. He had harsh words for China and those that want to appease them.
He closed by recalling the 1981 Reagan inauguration, and said quoting or paraphrasing the Gipper who stated "looking West from the Capitol steps, you can see the Washington Monument, built for the father of our Country. Farther West, you can see the Jefferson Memorial, dedicate to the author of the Declaration of Independence. And further west still, you see the Lincoln Memorial, dedicated to the man who saved the Union. But beyond them, you see the most precious reminder of all - the thousands of crosses atop the graves of those buried at Arlington Cemetary, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their nation".
Hunter then recounted the story Reagan told about the WWI sodier, Martin Treptow, who was killed during his first week of combat. They had found his diary, and paraphrasing, it read "‘My Pledge - America must win this war. Therefore, I will work, I will save, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone’.”
Hunter urged us to act as if the future of this election and the future of our great country depended on each of us alone.
The crowd hung on every word and gave him multiple, enthusiastic rounds of applause.
Hunter then introduced Dave Reichert who also spoke for about 20 minutes. But I was busy chasing after my daughters and keeping them occupied so I missed most of his speech.
Afterwards, the folks crowded around Hunter. I'm sure many felt the same as I did. That the opportunity to get this rock ribbed, Reaganite patriot - the man who should be CIC - nominated, had been wasted.
Hunter chatting with his former NW campaign director, Craig Keller
Signing "HUNTER" caps.
From the podium with Mt. Ranier over his shoulder
Preaching conservatism...
Hunter and Reichert
Another view
Talking to a Vet with the littlest Pissant in foreground
Mount Ranier
Just for the helluva it.
Thank you. Bump for Duncan.
Conservative spotting is a worthy hobby. I spotted Thadeus McCotter on the news this morning.
Thanks for telling us, sounds like a great opportunity. Boy oh boy I wish Hunter was our nominee. I hate the idea he won’t be in Congress fighting for us.
Thank you for posting this and attending the event. What a nice change from all this prez election nonsense.
I will NEVER regret getting to support this fine man. Duncan Hunter is a great speaker. Those who think otherwise haven’t bothered to listen, just like some won’t listen to Palin.
Very cool, to finally meet someone you admire and have a few minutes with them.
Thanks.
Thanks for the ping. Duncan Hunter is a great American and the congressman for the Campo Minutemen.
My God this man would have made a helluva a President! The GOP is stupid for letting him get away!
Duncan who?
Thank you.
It’s always good to see and hear about Duncan Hunter.
BFDH!
: )
It’s great that you finally got to meet Congressman Hunter. He’s the best! Mount Ranier is beautiful and your little one is adorable
Absolutely! Duncan Hunter would’ve been an outstanding president. Rock solid conservative credentials. Honorable military service, strong on the border issue and well-versed across the board. You’re right — too bad he didn’t do well in the primaries. Ditto for Jim Gilmore. Jim spoke at the Sarah Palin rally Oct 13 in Richmond. He, too, is a very strong leader who has a record of living up to campaign promises. I hope these two get a better look next time around.
I know you support Hunter ping!
I was honored to have supported him as well. I wish people had listened to him. He’s going to be missed. I hope his son wins his seat in Congress.
GREAT job!!!! I love my district over from me guy! You are right, the world is a better place for having Duncan Hunter in it!!!
Precious young em... Ya must be proud
Thanks for the ping! Enjoyed your post about meeting Congressman Duncan and all the great pictures! Your little girl is darling! :)
They dont call it the stupid party for nothing.
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