Valerie Butcher

Republican Duncan D. Hunter, running to replace retiring Rep. Duncan Hunter Sr., has won the endorsement of the National Right to Life Political Action Committee, his campaign announced late Thursday.

"The countless Americans who respect the sanctity of innocent human life appreciate your willingness to serve.  This willingness to take up the fight for life in the U.S. Congress makes us proud to endorse you," wrote David O’Steen, the PAC’s executive director, in a letter to Hunter.

Hunter, a businessman and Iraq war veteran, is promoting the National Right to Life endorsement in a San Diego-area district that, especially in its inland areas, is home to many religious and culturally conservative voters.

In the race to replace U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter, Republican Duncan D. Hunter is showing a wide fundraising lead over his Republican and Democratic rivals as the campaign heads to the June 3 primary.

In the Republican field, Hunter, an Iraq war veteran who is the son of the retiring Congressman, is reporting almost $279,000 in first quarter funds and has $263,000 on hand. Watkins, the president of the San Diego County Board of Education, has reported raising $79,000 during the quarter and having $44,000 on hand. Jones, a Santee City Councilman, raised about $28,000 and has $78,000 in cash on hand.

On the Democratic side, Mike Lumpkin, a retired Navy officer, is reporting $87,000 raised and $80,000 in cash on hand. Vickie Butcher, a former Chair of the El-Cajon Planning Commission, raised $18,000 and has $12,000 on hand.