Republicans and Democrats eyeing Rep. Duncan Hunter’s seat in Congress have begun laying out their positions in party debates in recent days.

Three Republican hopefuls – Bob Watkins, Brian Jones and Hunter’s son Duncan D. Hunter – sounded similar themes at a county Republican Party debate in El Cajon last night before about 250 people, but one topic on which they differed was whether to commit to opposing earmarks.
Jones, 39, a Santee councilman, challenged his opponents in the June primary for the 52nd Congressional District to sign an anti-earmark pledge, but Hunter, a Marine captain, said he could not.

“This is where my combat experience and my perspective comes into play,” said Hunter, citing items such as body armor and Navy ships that he said exist because of earmarks.

“That’s what the earmarks should be used for,” said Hunter, 31. “Not wasteful spending, but supporting the military. That’s Congress’ job.”

Watkins, 65, who serves as president of the San Diego County Board of Education, said after the debate that he barely had a chance to read the pledge, but questioned why military and other spending can’t be done through the regular budget processes.

On Sunday, Democratic candidates Mike Lumpkin and Vickie Butcher squared off at the Rancho San Diego library branch.

The candidates are part of a field vying for their party’s nomination in the congressional district. After a quarter century in office, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, announced in 2006 he would not run again, instead embarking on a failed presidential campaign. The district covers much of East County and northeastern San Diego County. About 45 percent of the district’s voters are Republican, 30 percent Democrat.

That’s why appealing to all voters is essential to winning in November, Lumpkin, 43, a retired Navy SEAL commander, told about 60 people at a debate organized by the East County Democratic Club. He emphasized his military service.

Butcher, 66, a former El Cajon planning commissioner, said she could reach out to new voters, women, minorities and youth.

After the debate, the club endorsed Lumpkin.

Republican Rick L. Powell recently joined the race, but did not participate in last night’s debate.

Other candidates include Libertarian Michael Benoit, American Independent D. Clark Ambassador for Christ, and Democrat Connie Frankowiak, who did not participate in Sunday’s debate.