Duncan D. Hunter

Duncan D. Hunter has taken an early lead in the Republican primary for the seat of retiring U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter.

With almost 13 percent of precincts reporting, Hunter leads with 73.9 percent of the vote. Santee CXity Councilman Brian Jones and businessman Brian Watkins trail with 14.2 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively.

The District 52 seat spans the San Diego area.

Several candidates are rolling out endorsements with the June 3 voting day nearing.

Republican U.S. House candidate Tom McClintock, running for the seat of retiring District 4 U.S. Rep. John Doolittle,  has won the endorsement of the Young Republican Federation of California.

“To have conservative Young Republicans in the state go on record and support Senator McClintock is a testament of his conservative credentials,” said Benjamin Lopez, the organization’s chair. “Young Republicans in California recognize that Tom McClintock truly represents them in the conservative cause. He has always been there for Young Republicans in this state.”

Republicans Doug Ose and Duncan D. Hunter are the state’s first U.S. House candidates out of the box with statements challenging today’s California Supreme Court decision upholding the legality of same sex marriage. Both candidates invoked the March 2000 passage of Proposition 22, a statewide initiative defining marriage as between a man and woman.

"Families are under assault by out of control liberal judges," said Hunter. "The Court brazenly disregarded the will of the people and sent California down a road that will destroy traditional family values. I am committed to working to make sure this decision is overturned and that these liberal judges understand the gravity of what they have done."

“Today’s decision not only overturns the will of the vast majority of Californians, but it is an affront to the very values that unite us as Americans. I am disappointed that a handful of activist judges have decided to play politics with an issue that is so important to families throughout this state,” said Ose.

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.