Candidate Positions

Original source: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politics/20061226-9999-1n26hunter.html

Hunter’s skepticism about trade and his aggressive stance on immigration could be a building block for a candidacy that exploits simmering anxieties about globalization among some conservatives.

In his early outings since announcing his interest in a presidential candidacy, Hunter has blasted China for cheating the United States on trade deals to use American dollars to finance a threatening military buildup.

Original source: http://www.thebulletin.us/site/news.cfm?newsid=17769078&BRD=2737&PAG=461&dept_id=576361&rfi=6

MPT: What are your feelings about capital punishment? Gun ownership? School vouchers?

Hunter: I am in favor of all of these.

Original source:http://www.gopbloggers.org/mt/archives/004795.php

Our Second Amendment rights have also been under threat. The right to keep and bear arms is an absolute right of Americans to protect their families and their communities and their nation with firearms. In this age of post-911, Americans, I believe are comforted by the fact that our ability to resist terrorism is not limited to law enforcement or defense agencies but is also within the ability of all gun-owning Americans. Gun control laws directed at law-abiding citizens are not a crime deterrent. In fact, studies show that private ownership of firearms by Americans reduces crime. You and I both know that the one thing criminals prefer more than any other is unarmed victims.

Original source: http://www.dmiblog.net/archives/2007/03/what_are_the_candidates_saying_7.html

Republican Presidential candidate Duncan Hunter hails from the California side of the U.S - Mexico border. He has been the California representative of the 52nd district since 1993. Born and raised very close to the border, Hunter has made border control his main legislative priority. He’s been pushing for a “fortified border” for his entire career. In fact, there is an entire website dedicated to his efforts to secure the border. Besides advocating for increased military spending, border enforcement issues are the only other issue under which he has made a name for himself.

Since his immigration platform is almost entirely based on increasing enforcement measures, his support last spring for House bill 4437 should come as no surprise. He even worked to add an amendment to the already enforcement-focused legislation for more border fencing. In Duncan Hunter’s ideal world, we would build a fence along the entire border.

So, beyond fencing, where does Duncan Hunter stand on immigration? In this interview he calls for border enforcement and then internal enforcement, focusing on the deportation of immigrants convicted of crimes. He also mentions expanding programs for employer verification of employee authorization to work and a national ID card.

Original source: http://www.house.gov/list/speech/ca52_hunter/stem_cell_110th.shtml

Hunter Votes to Protect Human Life

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), voted against H.R. 3, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. The legislation, which passed the House by a vote of 253 – 174, promotes federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research.

“While I support stem cell research, I cannot make an exception for the destruction of human life,” said Congressman Hunter. “Rather than promoting ethical alternatives, this legislation utilizes taxpayer dollars for research methods using embryonic stem cells, which destroy human life for scientific purposes. Despite there being no limitations on privately funded embryonic stem cell research, this method has failed to deliver any significant results or effective treatments.

“We learned last week that yet another viable and ethical alternative to embryonic stem cell research exists through the use of amniotic non-embryonic stem cells. I will continue to only support efforts that promote these promising alternatives, which preserve and promote life, and provide the most sensible approach to discovering new treatments against life threatening diseases and conditions.”

In stating his strong opposition to H.R. 3 and embryonic stem cell research, Congressman Hunter cited his support for H.R. 322 (Bartlett-MD), the Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act. The legislation, which Hunter is a cosponsor, promotes the derivation of pluripotent stem cell lines from alternative sources that do not require the creation or destruction of human embryos for research purposes.

Original source: http://www.gohunter08.com/shownews.asp?artid=38

The Supreme Court’s ruling to prohibit the abhorrent practice of partial birth abortion represents a victory in the effort to protect and promote human life.  This decision further underscores the American people’s overwhelming opposition to this practice and rightfully defends the inherent value and sanctity of each and every life.

The 5 - 4 decision highlights the importance of the role the next President will play in nominating Supreme Court Justices. As President if a judicial candidate can look at a sonogram of an unborn child and not see a human life worthy of protection, that judge will not be appointed to the federal bench.