By Melanie Zanona and John Bresnahan / Politico / Dec 2, 2019
GOP Rep. Duncan Hunter will plead guilty in federal court on Tuesday after denying for more than a year that he illegally misused campaign funds.
Hunter told TV station KUSI in San Diego that “Tomorrow, on Tuesday, I’m going to change my plea to guilty.” Hunter said he wanted to avoid a trial “for my kids. I think it would be really tough for them.”
The California Republican didn’t say definitively that he was resigning, but the former Marine officer did mention that “It’s been a privilege to serve in Congress. I think we’ve done a lot of great things for the nation.”
The Hunters have been a dynasty in southern California politics for decades. Hunter or his father, Duncan Hunter, Sr., have held that San Diego seat since 1980. The elder Hunter, a hardline military hawk, even ran briefly for president in 2008 before withdrawing.
When asked what would happen to his congressional seat, Hunter added: “I’m confident the transition will be a good one.”
Margaret Hunter, the congressman’s wife, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to misuse campaign funds back in June, a move that put enormous pressure on him to find a deal with federal prosecutors.
A source close to the case said Hunter’s plea agreement will be “virtually identical” to Margaret Hunter’s deal.
Recommended federal sentencing ranges for this felony charge range from 8 to 14 months, although Hunter’s lawyers will argue for a drastically lower term of incarceration, citing his military and public service records.
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I’m thinking this is a ploy to prove that it’s a witch hunt. Hunter says he will plead guilty to 1 count. If the prosecutor doesn’t agree to drop the other counts, the Hunter team will scream political, deep-state, witch hunt! They then drag this on for months more.
Let’s see if my crystal ball is working!
LOCK HIM UP!
Wait… I thought his wife was behind it all. What a great family. Like father like son… Maybe the Big Cheeto will pardon him and his ilk.
At the next Hunter Family get-together, they should most certainly invite Randy Cunningham.
Not to worry, he’ll get a slap on the wrist, his minions in North County will re-elect him, and he will continue to be a dick forever. (Apologies to penises everywhere)