SAN DIEGO - Saying he believed it was "the right thing to do for our country," Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter of El Cajon confirmed Monday that he is preparing to run for president.

The 13-term Republican, who represents parts of northeast San Diego County, said he is establishing a committee to explore what observers say is a longshot bid for the 2008 GOP presidential nomination. His possible competitors for the spot include such high-profile names as Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

In a news conference at the Broadway Street pier, Hunter told an audience of about 160 people including supporters, reporters and more than two dozen opponents that he believes his records and positions on national security, strengthening the nation's borders and protecting American jobs make him a good choice to lead the country.

"I am making preparations to run in 2008," said the 58-year-old Hunter, who represents parts of Poway, Ramona and most of East County and is chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. "I thought I would come down and lay my cards on the table."

Asked why he decided to run, he said he thought he could "have a positive effect" on the shape of the world.

He is a firm believer in continuing America's presence in Iraq and believes the U.S. will prevail, Hunter said. He praised Bush for providing what he called "aggressive leadership in pursuing al-Qaida leaders."

Critics said Hunter's announcement had more to do with positioning himself for a possible shift in congressional power balance than with becoming president.

Hunter said he believes the GOP will retain control of the House after the elections next week.

"I still have work to do in the chairmanship," Hunter said of the Armed Services Committee position, in which he oversees a $523 billion defense budget.

Hunter's announcement that he is exploring a run at president is the first step in the process of raising money and organizing supporters in early Republican primary states such as Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

He spent much of last week stumping for Republican congressional candidates around the country, a move that may have helped increase his name recognition outside his district.

A pair of Washington groups that rate lawmakers' clout in the House of Representatives rank Hunter as the ninth most powerful member of the House.

Despite recent scandals and popularity problems for Republicans, including a lower-than-ever approval rating for President Bush, Hunter said that Republicans -- in the face of daunting problems -- have done a good job leading the country during the past several years.

Not only have they succeeded in creating 3.9 million jobs since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, but "this Republican Congress and this president built the strongest military in the history of the world," Hunter said.

After Hunter's speech, a man who opposes Hunter's candidacy said he believed it was preposterous for Hunter to even think about running for president.

"He's the only man in the United States that would actually make a worse president than Bush," said San Diego resident Mac Duncan.

The 42-year-old man was carrying a sign showing his support for Democrat John Rinaldi, who is challenging Hunter for his congressional seat.

Hunter said he has been considering a run for the presidency for a long time, but did not say exactly when or what caused him to make his announcement just days before the Nov. 7 general election. Hunter is running for re-election for his congressional seat, which he has held since 1980.

His wife, Lynne Hunter, said he recently brought up the idea for the first time.

"About two months ago, he asked what I thought about (him) running," she said. "I said, 'Are you sure you want to?' And then I said, 'Let's go for it.'"

Several of Hunter's supporters, who turned out in support of his candidacy, said they were ecstatic at the idea of Hunter becoming president.

Point Loma resident Kathleen Hare, 68, said it was "wonderful news."

"I think he has the right idea for running the country," said Hare.

Another Hunter supporter at the news conference, Don Floyd, lives in the East County community of Boulevard and said he has known the congressman for 25 years.

"He's the most decent and honorable man I know," Floyd said.

Hunter expressed his admiration for U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who is highly touted as a possible Republican nominee for president. However, when asked if he is intimidated at the name recognition of a competitor like McCain, Hunter said no.

"You lay out your agenda … and if enough people agree with you, then you win (the nomination) -- that's the nature of American politics," Hunter said.

Hunter received a Bronze Star for his military service in Vietnam. Over the years, he has consistently advocated stronger enforcement of the nation's immigration laws and stronger borders as well as a strong military. He co-authored a bill signed by President Bush last week that would extend the border fence 700 miles.

Asked if had advised Washington Republicans of his decision to possibly run for president, Hunter said no.

"In typical Duncan Hunter fashion, I didn't consult with any," he said.

Hunter said his record shows that he has consistently fought to protect American jobs and will continue to do so. Hunter voted against the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Central American Free Trade Agreement and opposed most-favored-nation status for China.

His views have been in line with his party's when it comes to the hot-button issues of illegal immigration and gun control.

According to the Web site, www.projectvote-smart.org, which documents special interest groups' rankings of members of Congress based on their voting record, Hunter is favored by organization that oppose gun control. The National Rifle Association for example gave Hunter an A+ on gun-related issues because of his lifetime voting record and a questionnaire he filled out.

On illegal immigration, The Federation for American Immigration Reform -- a national advocacy group that fights for stronger borders and a crackdown in illegal immigration -- gave him a score of 86 out of 100 for his votes on immigration related issues. On the other hand, pro-immigrant group, the American Immigration Lawyers Association gave him a score of zero.

- Contact staff writer William Finn Bennett at (760)740-5426, or wbennett@nctimes.com.