February 22, 2007 CONTACT:       Roy Tyler
 

       (Columbia, SC For immediate release) Duncan Hunter, (R-CA), announced today, in a Columbia press conference, that he would be the first republican presidential candidate to campaign in every one of South Carolina’s 46 counties.  Hunter is the first republican candidate to have begun his campaign in South Carolina.

      Hunter said he views South Carolina as pivotal in his bid for the White House because the winner of the South Carolina republican presidential primary has gone on to win the GOP nomination. “Our strong, traditional Ronald Reagan conservative message is resonating with grass roots republicans in South Carolina,” said Hunter.  “These residents want a no-nonsense conservative president, one who will secure our nation’s borders; protect the rights of the unborn; and stand up to the communist Chinese on trade issues.  They seem to want a president who has the personal background and experience to win the war on terror, and one who understands national security issues,” noted Hunter.

      A number of well-known leaders from South Carolina have joined the veteran Congressman’s campaign.  Serving as co-chairs of his campaign include Dr. Henry Jordan, former South Carolina Policy Council President, and State Board of Education member; Lois Eargle, Horry County Auditor, Horry County GOP Chairwoman Emeritus, and current president of the South Carolina County Elected Officials Association; and Tom Marchant, former assistant republican leader of the South Carolina House of Representatives.
 

      Other state co-chairs include Mike Dixon, former 4th Congressional District GOP Chair and current member of the South Carolina Ports Authority; Mike Griffin, conservative activist, and president of Griffin Electric; and Carole Wells, former State Representative and South Carolina State Labor Commissioner. Other co-chairs include Chad Connelly, the Chairman of Freedom Tide; John McCravy, Greenwood attorney; Bob Smart, the former Commander of the South Carolina Air National Guard; and Bob Thomas, state republican party pioneer and current Williamsburg County GOP State Executive Committeeman.

      Hunter calls his volunteers, “foot soldiers” in the conservative movement. He credits them with helping to build the modern day Republican Party in South Carolina.  “These are people who were there for Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan, and I am honored to have their support in my presidential campaign,” said Hunter.
 

Hunter is the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, and a 26-year veteran of the United States House of Representatives. Following the press conference, Hunter plans campaign visits in Newberry, Spartanburg, and Greenwood counties to tell voters that the people of South Carolina understand that he has been consistent in his conservative principles and beliefs.  Hunter says he will tell the voters that, “he has the right team on the ground in South Carolina and intends to carry his traditional Ronald Reagan conservative message to every one of South Carolina’s 46 counties.”
 

      The South Carolina co-chairs join Honorary National Chairman Chuck Yeager, retired general, USAF, who calls Hunter the right man for the right job at the right time. Dan McKinnon of San Diego chairs the national Hunter for President Committee.  “Like Chuck Yeager they have the right stuff for a successful National Campaign,” concluded Hunter.
 
 

      For additional information visit the Hunter for President Website is www.gohunter08.com