Since he dropped out of the Presidential race earlier this year, we hadn’t heard much from longtime California Congressman Duncan Hunter. Now in the homestretch of a 28-year House career (his son is running to succeed him), the elder Hunter has found himself as part of a little bit of history as one of those recalcitrant Republicans who wouldn’t go home when Nancy Pelosi told him to.
Thanks to my blogger ally The Waterman (Aquaman, Questing for Atlantis) for coming across this video spot featuring my originally chosen Presidential candidate:
While I think he somewhat overplays the Straits of Hormuz angle (since we get more oil from Canada and, at times, Mexico than from any particular Middle East nation) Rep. Hunter is right on the mark when he notes, “you can’t put wind in a gas tank.” Then again, with his defense background Duncan has always seen things in a little bit different light when it comes to domestic economic issues.
One reason to hope for a John McCain victory this fall is the hope that Duncan Hunter can be part of the administration, perhaps even as Secretary of Defense. I don’t think Barack Obama would care much for Hunter’s defensive-minded approach so if Obama wins, Duncan will just have to retire to San Diego and look back on a solid career in the House. If Hunter decides to run again for President in 2012 though, he’ll still be my early favorite until someone can top him on the issues I’m most passionate about.
