1976 Thomas Jefferson School of Law graduate Duncan Hunter, who represents San Diego County’s 52nd District in Congress, today announced that he is forming an exploratory committee with an eye toward campaigning for the GOP nomination for the U.S. presidency in 2008.
Congressman Hunter, who is the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, made his announcement against the backdrop of the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Midway at San Diego Harbor.
Hunter, who was first elected to Congress in 1980, made it clear that one of his top issues while campaigning for the presidency would be securing the U.S. border with Mexico.
By forming an exploratory committee, Hunter can begin raising money for a possible run at the president and start lining support in key states.
When asked about his days in law school at Thomas Jefferson, Hunter replied, “that was one of the great experiences of all time. It was a privilege to be given the opportunity to practice law in this state. It meant a lot.”
If Hunter does run for the presidency in 2008, his strongest opponents are expected to be Arizona Republican Senator John Mc Cain, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Hunter’s announcement today caught a lot of political observers by surprise.
“It’s going to be a long, challenging road,” Hunter told the media and a group of about 100 supporters at his announcement today.