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Retired Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) has issued a strongly worded statement that spells out his endorsement of former U.S. Senator Bob Smith in his long-shot bid for the Republican nomination for Florida’s U.S. Senate seat.

Hunter, a 28 year veteran of the U.S. House, chaired the House Armed Services Committee from 2003-2007. He was a Presidential candidate in the 2008 Republican primaries, where his best showing was a third place finish in Wyoming.

“I’ve worked with Bob Smith on National Defense Issues for more than 20 years,” said Hunter. “As a House member and a U.S. Senator, Bob Smith made a major contribution to America’s military posture. His special attention to the equipment needs of our military personnel was extraordinary. Beyond that, Bob Smith’s persistent support of missile defense, an area in which he specialized, was a major reason for our present U.S. missile defense capabilities.”

Smith’s campaign has seemed to be heavily focused on his opposition to illegal immigration and so-called amnesty proposals. But with Hunter’s support, he’s adding a national security element to his message that may help him broaden his appeal. Smith served in the U.S. Navy during the 1960’s, including a tour in Vietnam. Neither Governor Crist nor Speaker Rubio, the current front-runners in the Senate race, have much foreign policy or military experience in their background.

“In an increasingly dangerous world, we need Bob Smith’s experience and judgment in the U.S. Senate,” Hunter concluded.

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