My one boss is basically a socialist/democrat. He listens to Air America just about all day long. He's not psyched for Obama or Hillary.
I asked him, "Do you know who Duncan Hunter is?" He said, "yeah, the chair of the Armed Services guy. Seems very common sense. Knowledgable on defense issues."
He knew more about Hunter than me, and despite Hunter's conservative credentials, he seemed to like him because he has common sense, and talks straight. I almost fell out of my chair.
I would think that a socialist/democrat and commonsense would be mutually exclusive!
That proves my point that Hunter comes across really well and especially in these times. He would be the best to put forward because I think he could do a great job in standing up for the principles and is very likeable. And people ARE impressed with personal story and military service.