Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, recently announced his candidacy for president in 2008.

Democratic Senate press secretary: “Honestly, how is it more absurd than George Bush running for president? Why is Bush presidential? If Bush can win the world’s wide open.”

Jonathan Grella, vice president of public affairs, Edelman Public Relations and former Majority Leader Tom DeLay’s (R-Texas) former press secretary:
“I welcome Chairman Hunter into the ring, not only because he’s the most reliable conservative in the field so far, but also because House heavyweights don’t get the attention and appreciation they deserve. The chairman of the House Armed Services is more influential than most senators, yet experts and bookers treat even senior congressmen like medium talent.
I can’t be the only one tired of Biden, Obama, Hagel, and McCain on TV or in the ’08 mix. I’d love to hear how Obama (a state senator 2 years ago) is more qualified to be president than Chairman Hunter.

Jeff Gannon, political commentator, author and former White House correspondent:
“Duncan Hunter brings solid conservative credentials to a wide open field for the Republican nomination. He’s an alternative to the more moderate names, like McCain, Guiliani and Pataki, and could do well among primary voters who tend to be more conservative. History, however, doesn’t favor a leap from the U. S. House to the White House.”

Republican press secretary:
“He’s thinking, ‘Hey, I’m chairman of a committee and I got a hundred bucks in my pocket — let’s do this.’ He is an effective legislator and has served his country well, but one wonders who is telling certain members that they have a shot at putting 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. on their letterhead?”

C. Stewart Verdery, lobbyist, Monument Policy Group:
“If the National Rifle Association hops on the ‘Hunter’ bandwagon, then his primary contenders better pull out the reflective gear.”

Jessica Cutler, a.k.a. Washingtonienne; former aide to Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio):
“He’s thinking, ‘I won’t be chairman anymore when the Dems take over the House, so I need a contingency plan because being a congressman is so boring.’”

Rick Fiori, political satirist, lead actor in one-man show, “The Worst President Ever”:
“Of course he has a shot! With his visibility, Dunkin’ Donuts — oops — I mean Duncan Hunter can win. As his most recent and effective border legislation proves, you can’t fence-in Duncan Heinz — darn — I mean Hunter! Announcing his candidacy a week prior to the midterms shows he is flying high above the midterm Republican fray — way to go Sandy Duncan! Crap — I mean…”

Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, former White House aide and former “Apprentice” star:
“Since the most well known Californian Republican, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, can’t run for president, why not have the LEAST known Californian Republican run for prez.? Good luck with that!”
 
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