SOLANA BEACH —— A former National Football League defensive back and punt returner has entered the GOP sweepstakes to fill out the unexpired term of Randy "Duke" Cunningham.

Scott Turner, 33, a political neophyte, made his announcement Tuesday from a makeshift lectern placed on the 50-yard line at Santa Fe Christian School's Beauchamp Stadium.

Flanked by his wife, Robin, Turner said he's in the 50th Congressional District race despite naysayers who, he said, have told him he needs a Hail Mary-type completion to overcome his better-financed and more experienced rivals.

"Many have already tried to dissuade me from one, running for Congress, and two, entering this particular race which is filled with professional politicians and other candidates," Turner said. "They state that I don't have a chance. But through perseverance, hard work, faith in God and determination, I have been able to succeed in many areas of my life, and in my own personal dictionary I have crossed out the word 'impossible.' "

Turner's political resume is bare except for a 2004 volunteer internship in the district and Capitol Hill offices of U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-El Cajon, an experience the Dallas native said taught him the basics of congressional service.

He cited a strong defense, secure borders and education as his three most important concerns, adding he would restore integrity to a seat now tarnished by Cunningham's Nov. 28 guilty pleas to bribery and tax evasion.

"I want to be a fresh voice for the people of the 50th District," said Turner, who was joined for his announcement by about two dozen supporters, including former Los Angeles Laker A.C. Green. "Since I'm new to this political game, I won't stand before you making big campaign promises.

"But the one thing I can assure you is that I will be an uncompromising, integrity-filled representative."

Hunter has made no endorsement of any of the candidates. Turner said that he talked with Hunter about his plans and that the congressman told him that if he got in the race, he should campaign with heart and determination.

Turner faces a crowded field of Republicans, most with years of political experience and a financial head start on the newest candidate, who said he has raised about $12,000 thus far.

The field includes state Sen. Bill Morrow, former Rep. Brian Bilbray, former state Assemblyman Howard Kaloogian, and two wealthy businessmen, Alan Uke and Ken King.

The Democratic side features Francine Busby of Encinitas, who lost to Cunningham in 2004, and Oceanside's Chris Young, who announced last week she would join the race.

The current Congress has 43 blacks, with all but Illinois Sen. Barack Obama serving in the House of Representatives.

Turner made no mention of ethnicity in his announcement, instead talking of his humble upbringing in Texas and what he said was his lifelong ability to overcome adversity. He cited his ability to play professional football from 1995 through 2004 despite lacking NFL size. He played for the San Diego Chargers from 1998 through the 2002 season.

"The same attributes that allowed me to be successful on the fields of play are the ones that I will take with me to be not just a successful, but a wonderful representative of the people of the 50th District of California," he said.

Oceanside political consultant Jack Orr said Tuesday that he had never heard of Turner and considers his candidacy a long shot at best.

"I think it's curious more than anything else," Orr said.

Over the last five years, Turner has spent the off-season as a motivational speaker and as a mentor along with his wife for other couples at Morning Star Christian Church in San Diego.

The filing period for the unexpired term opens Feb. 7 and closes Feb. 27, the date Cunningham is slated to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Larry Alan Burns in San Diego.

If none of the candidates wins more than 50 percent of the vote in the April 11 special election, a runoff will take place June 6.

For more information about Turner, see his campaign Web site: www.turnerforcongress.com.

On the site, Green, the former Laker who played in the National Basketball Association for 16 years, writes that he has known Turner for 10 years and that the determination and dedication his friend displays are attributes he would take to Capitol Hill.

Contact staff writer Mark Walker at (760) 740-3529 or mlwalker@nctimes.com.