Duncan Hunter announced earlier today that he would be making a major announcement about the future of his campaign today in New Hampshire. Whenever a losing candidate plans a “major announcement” it usually means that they’re dropping out of the race.
That wasn’t the case today. But the media took the bait, speculating that Hunter was dropping out and might be preparing to endorse either Mitt Romney or John McCain.
But anyone paying close attention to Hunter would have known he had no plans to drop out. He sent emails to supporters earlier in the day touting his “close third place finish in Wyoming” and under the radar strategy that focuses on Nevada, Michigan, and other later states. Hunter’s “close” third place was an 8% result that earned him a single delegate in Saturday’s Wyoming caucuses. Fred Thompson was second with 25%.
When the time came for his big announcement, Hunter made a little bit of a show about it… “So here’s my answer: I’m not going to quit. I’m staying in.”
The danger with this strategy, of course, is that media outlets might report the rumor that he’s dropping out without any follow-up. So, some of his small legion of backers might be under the impression that he’s no longer in the race.
But on the flip-side, he did manage to inject his name into some headlines after being shut out of two debates over the weekend and being largely ignored by the media. Hunter has nothing to lose, he’s already announced his retirement from Congress, so why not stick around and fight through a few more states?
January 7th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Duncan is sharp, and he has the record both from the military and his years of service in the House to back his stance. It is just great to see someone willing to stand up to the media (who is trying to run this country ragged). I, for one, am proud that he caught the media off guard, and is willing to go the distance no matter the outcome.
Everyone needs to take a long, hard look at this man. He is a Reagan Conservative, and Ronald Reagan’s son (Michael) said so himself, and he is more than worthy of the Presidency. He is making headway in other primary states, and his supporters all hope to see a change in the polls.
January 7th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Hunter is an interesting guy and he could pick up delegates here and there along the way to the convention. But I’m not entirely sure what his reasoning is for all of this.
Do you think he will actually be the next President, Karen?
January 12th, 2008 at 4:27 am
Everyone who asks “who is Duncan Hunter?” finds out about him and likes him. Pro Defense, Pro U.S. trade, and Pro D-Fence. What else is there?
America better wake up and start investing in our selves while we can, because civil liberties will mean nothing when sharia law is knocking at your door. Toughen up America we are fighting a foe that knows no time limit, this battle isn’t a Hollywood movie, over in 90 minutes. This will take years of gut-checking!