Duncan Hunter visits Michigan

I was at the Duncan Hunter event in Troy last night. I'm still undecided, but this is a guy I can back if he gets some traction. His main issue is trade. He's the first presidential candidate since Pat Buchanan to run on trade as his main issue. Unlike Buchanan, Hunter has held elective office. Some of his platform and stances.

1. Fair trade. Stop cheating on trade and allowing the Chinese Government to sweep American products off the shelves. He stated that while the Chinese tax American goods (a double tax as American goods pay American taxes as well) coming into their country, they subsidize their good going to the US. He's going after Bush's Mexican trucks plan right now. Latest bill
2. Immigration reform. Build the fence and stop illegal immigration. Deport those who are illegally here and make them come in the right way. He also stated he would pardon Border Patrol agents Ramos and Compean Convicted for shooting an illegal immigrant/drug dealer.
3. Fairtax replacing income tax
4. Pro-life
5. Pro-2nd Amendment
6. Originalist judges

On foreign policy, Hunter supports peace through strength. He has a unique situation among politicians with Iraq, as his son served two tours there. Hunter himself was an Army Ranger in Vietnam.

He ended his speech early and took several questions. Impressively, he took everybody's question and understood the issues. Most candidates do not take questions. They time their speech so they have to leave immediately. Most of the questions are regarding immigration, border security, and trade. Those are going to be BIG in 2008.

In other news, there's a new congressional candidate for the 5th district based in Flint, Saginaw, and Bay City. Bill Kelly is taking on Dale Kildee. While it is a longshot race for Dr. Kelly, his populist views will fit the district well. You never know what can happen. Steve Stockman upset Jack Brooks in 1994.

I'm still undecided in 2008, but Hunter will be one of the candidates I will be considering. It was refresing for once to hear a candidate who was not afraid of questions from the audience.