On Meeting Duncan Hunter, a Fine Young Man

On Monday, at the Small Business Seminar held in La Mesa by the State Board of Equalization, I had the pleasure of meeting Duncan Hunter for the first time.  He was the guest speaker at the event. 

Mr. Hunter spoke of the role of taxes and regulations in stifling small business and encouraged "buying American," even if it means paying a little more, because it means work for a fellow American.  I agree with his last point wholeheartedly, but I would argue that taxes and regulations are not the primary problem for small business; it's quite simply not enough customers. 

That's why, at the federal level, we must do everything possible to put people back to work, and see they get a decent wage.  Only then can they be the customers small business needs so badly!  Without customers, it doesn't matter what your taxes or regulations are.  But I'm sure we will debate that issue later.    

Prior to his speaking, we had a brief moment together.  Despite what political extremists left or right might expect, we had a brief but very cordial conversation. I did ask him if he had heard about the article in the Patch about my candidacy and he said he had. 

I told him the phrase that Ken chose to be the headline was, of course, not meant to be taken literally, and, as I expected, he laughed and said he understood.  I said I would like us to have a series of town hall meetings so that voters could have the opportunity to question us on the issues and he said he looked forward to it. 

(I didn't  mention Teri Linnell and Connie Frankowiak, but, of course, all candidates should take part.)  I later thanked him for his vote against the Korean "free trade" aggreement that will cost us 159,000 jobs. Believe it or not, there are important issues on which we both agree!  It was nice to see him.  I believe the more candidates interact in person, the better the quality of the debate.

Mr. Hunter is a fine young man.  He is committed  to his family, his faith  and his country. This is about politics.  All four candidates hold different views. This election will be about his record, the issues, and each candidate's vision for the future direction of District 50 and our nation.  I'm confident all candidates will support their positions with vigor. 

A political campaign is not for the timid. There may be moments when the rhetoric gets heated, but that intensity should not be considered an attack on each other as people.  I ask all who would support my candidacy to keep name-calling, ridicule and personal attacks to a minimum. 

The less time spent on pettiness, the better. If any resort to such against me, simply ignore them and stick to the issues as much as possible. I don't require that you defend me.  Such attacks have no effect on me, and perhaps provide some needed, even if perverted, gratification to the commenter.  So let's keep this election about the issues.  It's the issues, and our future, that matter.