Hunter under fire from GOP conservatives

Duncan Hunter owes an explanation — San Diego Rostra

In the event you are wondering if I saw “it,” that answer is, yes. The “it” being the Union-Tribune article describing my congressman’s multiple violations of campaign finance law.

I don’t get it. Congressman Duncan Hunter is in a safe seat. He was elected by a 40-point margin. He can afford to courageously raise the conservative flag high and inspire by taking the lead on issues reforming and limiting government, but he hasn’t.

Hunter received a “D” on his 2013 FreedomWork’s Scorecard and a “C” on his 2014 scorecard.

He has become a poster boy for Goldwater’s famous quote, “Conservative principles so widely espoused and Conservative action so generally neglected,” by voting against states rights, for indefinite detention of American citizens, for the Sandy Relief bill, for fully funding Obamacare, for CISPA, for Federal Sugar Programs, for farm subsidies, for Export-Import Bank, and the list goes on.

To clarify his affinity for things offensive and unprincipled he endorsed Donald Trump for president. Not one of the last to do so, but one of the first.

Now. we read he has problems with the Federal Elections Commission.

Serious enough to immediately cut short a trip to Israel. The use of campaign funds for personal expenses is strictly forbidden.

The Union-Tribune states Hunter used his campaign funds for video games, travel and his children’s education. Hunter also had written on his disclosure that these personal expenses were to be paid back.

They weren’t.

It is one thing to make a mistake and correct it. Another to repeat it, say it will be paid back and not do so.

The U-T further notes that Hunter’s wife, Margaret, who is paid $3,000 a month in campaign funds as campaign manager, is not returning calls.

What campaign is she so busy and highly paid to manage?

It would be encouraging to see the conservative groups in the county challenge Congressman Hunter on his voting record, support of Trump and his campaign finance violations, but I am not holding my breath.

I already understand Hunter says the campaign credit card was used in error. That’s not an adequate explanation, not even close.

The real question — how could he have acknowledged the errors in his campaign disclosures, but not immediately rectified them by paying back the money, thus in essence going several months without addressing violations of the law?

The families in the 50th district deserve a better explanation for how this could have happened.

Eric Andersen

 Eric Andersen is a member of the Central Committee of the San Diego County Republican Party and current Chair and Co-Founder of the Republican Liberty Caucus of San Diego County. He is a Co-Founder of im2moro.com, former Rock Church Citizen of the Year and former Caucus Chair for the 71st Assembly District.