Conservative talk-radio host Mark Larson (R) acknowledged late last week that he is considering running for Congress in the 52nd district, and he stoked the rumors by resigning from his show effective immediately.

Larson said he plans to make a decision by July 4 and said in a brief e-mail interview that his ties to presidential candidate and Rep. Duncan Hunter (R) will come into play, as Hunter’s son, Marine Reservist Duncan D. Hunter (R), already has announced for the seat and is campaigning in absentia while on deployment in Afghanistan.

“I really want to work through things and decide by July 4,” Larson said. “I thought that would be an appropriate deadline.”

The San Diego-area 52nd district is safe Republican territory, and the winner of the June 2008 primary should cruise to victory in the general election. Rep. Hunter still could change his mind and file for re-election but has said that assuming he isn’t elected president, he will retire upon the conclusion of his current term, his 14th in the House.

In addition to Larson, a few wealthy businessmen have indicated that they might join the fray. One, Ken King (R), said earlier this year that he plans on running, although his prospective campaign has yet to launch.
— David M. Drucker