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By Miriam Raftery
Photo by Miriam Raftery: Congressman Duncan D. Hunter and his wife, Margaret
December 3, 2019 (San Diego) -- Congressman Duncan D. Hunter pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of conspiracy to misuse campaign funds for personal use. His admission of guilt comes after months of claiming he was innocent and a target of a political witch hunt.
The Republican Congressman from Alpine could face up to five years in prison and a quarter of a million dollar fine – ironically, the same amount that he and his wife were accused of embezzling from their campaign and spending on a lavish personal lifestyle. He is slated for sentencing on March 17th and could received a lesser sentence, such as a shorter prison term, probation or community service. His wife, Margaret, earlier pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and will be sentenced in April.
Hunter, a former Marine combat veteran, could have faced decades in prison if found guilty in a trial on 60 federal charges that included wire fraud and falsifying campaign reports to hide theft of funds spent on family vacations overseas, overnight trysts with five mistresses, oral surgery bills and airfare for a pet rabbit, among other illegal uses of campaign donors’ money.
Although Hunter made no mention of his political future in his court appearance, earlier in the week he told KUSI news that he plans to resign from Congress. He indicated his seat will remain open until the next election and that his office would assure a “seamless transition to whoever takes this seat next.”
He also told KUSI he accepted a plea bargain for the sake of his three children to avoid a public trial in January and allow them to live their lives out of the limelight.
Hunter stated, “It’s been a privilege to serve in Congress for 11 years, three tours in the Marine Corps in the wars, so I think we’ve done a lot of great things for the nation.”
But he also acknowledged wrongdoing. “I think it’s important that people know I did make mistakes,” he said. “I did not properly monitor or keep track of my campaign,” he said, adding he is responsible for those actions. He stated that if sentenced to prison, “I will take that hit,” but says he hopes that his wife will not be sentenced to prison, so that she can care for the couple’s children.
Hunter’s resignation will leave an open seat, however the office will remain open with staff to handle constituent casework.
Hunter spokesman Michael Harrison told ECM via email today, "Congressman Hunter will discuss next steps with Republican leadership in DC. I do not have any other developments to provide at the current time," regarding when Hunter may step down. But he added, "Congressman Hunter’s DC and district offices remain open and staffed to serve as a resource for our constituents and help with any federal issues they may have. Should a vacancy occur, the offices continue to remain open providing the same services until a new Member is elected and then that individual will staff the offices as they deep appropriate."
Normally a resignation by a Congressional member would trigger a special election, however this late in the term it is expected to be consolidated with the March primary election. Hunter stepping down leaves an open seat that at least five candidates have announced plans to run for.
Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar came within three percentage points of defeating Hunter in 2018 after Hunter’s indictments were announced.
Three Republicans are also running: former Congressman Darrell Issa, State Senator Brian Jones, and talk show host Carl DeMaio. Independent Helen Horvath has indicated that she is also running for the seat in the 50th Congressional district, which includes much of East County as well as San Diego.
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