Hunter to withdraw? Nope, he fools us

UPDATE -- Our apologies to Duncan Hunter. He used the "major announcement" we got notice about earlier -- and assumed, wrongly, meant he would be folding his presidential tent -- to decry his exclsuion from the pair of Republican candidate debates this weekend.

"Who do they think they are?" he said of media big shots. He also noted that he won a delegate from the caucuses in Wyoming on Saturday, which puts him ahead of Rudy Giuliani in that category. And he said he would remain a candidate "no matter what happens" in New Hampshire's Tuesday primary.

All signs point to a poor showing for Hunter. But he hopes that his emphasis on defense and national security issues might give him a boost in the South Carolina primary later this month.

Manchester, N.H. -- California's own Duncan Hunter, ostensibly a Republican candidate for president, has scheduled a "major announcement" at 11 a.m. (PST) "regarding the future of his presidential bid."

It's hard to imagine he will be saying anything other than his campaign for the Republican nomination has no future and that he is withdrawing.

Hunter, a House member from the San Diego area respected on Capitol Hill for his expertise in defense matters, campaigned very little in Iowa, saying he was focusing on New Hampshire. But, with little money or support, he's been nonexistent in the state these last few days.

He'll be making his announcement at a hotel in downtown Manchester. He previously announced that he won't be seeking reelection to the House seat he first won in 1980. (His son hopes to replace him.) 

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Seth M. Fisher]

Here's the full text of the release sent to the press today:

MEDIA ALERT

Duncan Hunter to Make Major Announcement

For Immediate Release: January 7, 2007
Contact: Bob Bevill, (xxx) xxx-xxxx, (xxx) xxx-xxxx

Presidential Candidate and California Congressman Duncan Hunter will be making a major announcement today at 2:00 p.m. (EST), regarding the future of his Presidential bid. All media are encouraged to attend or contact Bob Bevill, National Media Coordinator, to arrange alternate interviews.

DUNCAN HUNTER ANNOUNCEMENT
Radisson Hotel Lobby
700 Elm Street
Manchester, New Hampshire
2:00 p.m. (EST)

# # #

Hunter for President, Inc.
9340 Fuerte Drive
La Mesa, California 91941
United States

[Richard]

Great!

Hope he endorses Ron Paul!

Go Ron Paul!

[Frank]

The US needs a man like Duncan Hunter. Since the media is controlling this campaign he is just a footnote. I hope and pray for a miracle to have Duncan Hunter in the spotlight.

[Michael]

I guess the illegal Aliens in Los Angeles will be upset that Congressman Hunter is not withdrawing from the Presidential Race.

[American Citizen]

That takes GUTS! This is the kind of fighting spirit we need in this election. And from someone who has the commander-in-chief qualifications + only record of building a border fence in the nation. People say there is no Reagan in this election, but they obviously haven't looked into Duncan Hunter. I say GO HUNTER!!!

[Justin]

Nice try Duncan, but I think the MSM sniffed out your fake-out. I really do appreciate the attempt to call them out, but you can't use the media to take down the media. At least not quite that easily.

[Joan Santomenna]

By choosing which candidates were allowed to debate, ABC, Fox, and Face Place took on an authority not granted by our constitution. We did not hear the candidates whose financial backing did not launch them early in the campaign.
The dark horses were eliminated at the starting gate.
This is a major threat to our election process and should not be dealt with lightly.
Read Duncan Hunter's record and weep. This is a good man, a faithful public servant with much experience. The very kind of a man we want in the White House. He was shot down by misplaced power.

[Shirley]

Duncan Hunter is the best man for the job. I hope and pray for him to get the recognition he well deserves. Anyone who takes the time to look into his record can see that he is a man of honor who is well qualified to lead this country. A true conservative who doesn't waver back and forth on issues. He is not soft on immigration or national security. Our country needs Duncan Hunter. Go Duncan!

[red stater]

Duncan Hunter is the "Real Deal" conservatives are looking for... the only question that remains is... will you discover him?

His credentials are unquestionable, his integrity intact, his commitment unwavering and his effort worthy of your consideration and vote.

BTW- you ronpaulers can forget about it.

Duncan Hunter- The Republican wing of the Republican Party candidate.
GoHunter08.com