The main reason that many "conservatives" and pundits don't consider Hunter conservative on "some issues" is that they don't deaire to hamper any imports/exports on China - free trade but not fair trade.
Hunter also objects to our tax laws as they now exist and many argue over best way to handle it - some like the income tax with all it's various exemptions, while others would scrap it entirely with a "consumption tax" which many don't think as fair (and certainly not some wealthier individuals, as they would pay more as their consumption is greater and with no exemptions, those would evaporate.)
Certainly arguments can be made on both sides and well worth a complete, honest and open airing.
You may be thinking of Thompson’s vote in committee, where he voted against a system that would require all citizens (not just immigrants) to get the federal government’s permission before they can work. He also voted in committee against applying civil forfeiture penalties against employers who hire illegals. I agree with this vote because it would have vastly expanded a law enforcement practice that is trampling on fourth and fifth amendment protections, since under “civil forfeiture” government claims it has no responsibility to convict anyone of a crime — they just seize the property and force the former owner to prove he deserves it back.
However, Thompson voted for many other tough enforcement measures in committee, and also during deliberation on the bill. He also voted for the final tough enforcement bill.
I hope that wasn’t too long-winded — I just wanted to clarify.
I do agree with Hunter’s point about China’s military build-up. I’m just not sure that his proposals would ultimately help the situation. If we have a big trade deficit with them, then we at least have some leverage. If we didn’t trade as much with them, I fear that they would simply make up the trade elsewhere — leaving them with the same amount of money for arms, but leaving us with no chits to play.
I’ve looked at Hunter’s record, and I’m not concerned about his record on taxes. As far as I’ve seen, he’s very solid on cutting taxes.
However, in my view he’s not as good on the spending side — specifically, on entitlement spending. In my view that’s by far the most dangerous kind of spending, because it’s almost impossible to cut — ugh, look at the flak Thompson gets just for proposing to cut benefit growth. But entitlement growth leaves too much of our money in foreign/enemy hands, and will eventually limit the amount we have to spend on vital military efforts. It’s a massive national security problem IMO, and it’s an area where Thompson is head and shoulders above most other candidates.
I have a couple of other concerns with Hunter, but the latter is the biggest one. On the other hand, I think that in the many areas where Hunter’s right, he’s very right — I’d have no trouble voting for him if he were our candidate.
I greatly appreciate your thoughtful post!