What’s In a Name? In San Diego, Plenty If It’s Hunter

Although Republican Duncan D. Hunter has been serving in Afghanistan, he’s been so successful at fundraising in the race to succeed his father for his San Diego-area Congressional seat that he’s actually in the lead when it comes to campaign money.

The elder Hunter is not running for re-election to his 52nd district seat, saying he wants to focus on his current long-shot bid for the presidency.

The younger Hunter’s campaign reported raising $172,000 through Sept. 30 and had $114,000 on hand, according to his third-quarter report filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Hunter, a Marine captain, is not due to complete his current tour of duty until December 2007, but his wife and GOP lawmakers have served as his proxy at fundraisers and campaign events.

On Hunter’s Web site, he claims nearly 70 current House members have endorsed his candidacy, and he reported receiving more than $15,000 from current members and their political action committees during the third quarter.

But despite Hunter’s clout with current lawmakers, Hunter hardly has the field to himself in this GOP-friendly district, and many of his competitors have been quick to pony up personal finances to assist their efforts. Bob Watkins, president of the San Diego County Board of Education; Santee City Councilman Brian W. Jones; and small businessman Ken King are all competing for the GOP nomination.

Watkins raised $154,000 since entering the race in mid-August, but that total included $100,000 Watkins loaned his own campaign. He spent little and reported nearly all cash remaining by the close of the period.

Jones raised $104,000, including $5,000 in personal funds, and had $72,000 on hand for his 2008 contest.

King raised $142,000, which included a $120,000 loan, and was left with $111,000 on hand after disbursements.

Despite the district’s strong Republican lean, the candidacy of Democratic retired Navy Commander Mike Lumpkin has drawn some Democratic excitement in this race. Lumpkin formed his campaign in early September and reported raising $50,000 over the course of the month and was left with $41,000 on hand at the close of the period. Lumpkin gave his campaign $1,000 in personal funds.

Lawyer and Army veteran Jim Hester also is competing for the Democratic nomination. He raised less than $3,000.

Military credentials can be a significant advantage in the district because many residents are in the military or work in the defense industry.

The primary is June 3, 2008.