San Diego, January 13, 2026
Former Congressman Duncan Hunter is pushing for clemency for disbarred attorney Raymond Liddy, who was convicted for possessing child sexual abuse material. Hunter’s lobbying efforts, filed in November 2025, have raised concerns due to his own controversial past. Hunter, who received a presidential pardon in 2020 for misusing campaign funds, is working with a consulting team to influence the Trump administration regarding Liddy’s case. The lobbying effort highlights the complexities of the federal pardon system and the ongoing debates over justice and rehabilitation.
San Diego, California
Former Congressman Duncan Hunter Pushes for Clemency for Disbarred Attorney
Former Congressman Duncan Hunter, who received a presidential pardon in December 2020 for misusing campaign funds, is now advocating for clemency for Raymond Liddy, a San Diego attorney convicted in 2020 of possessing child sexual abuse material.
Hunter is listed as a consultant in a federal lobbying disclosure filed in November 2025, working alongside Tommy Marquez Consulting to secure a presidential pardon for Liddy. The filing indicates that the lobbying efforts are directed toward the Trump administration. Liddy, a former deputy attorney general and son of the late G. Gordon Liddy, was convicted in 2020 and sentenced to five years of probation. He was disbarred by the State Bar of California in 2023.
This development follows Hunter’s own legal troubles. In 2019, he pleaded guilty to misusing campaign funds for personal expenses, including family vacations and extramarital affairs. He was sentenced to 11 months in prison but was pardoned by President Donald Trump in December 2020, avoiding incarceration.
The involvement of Hunter in Liddy’s clemency efforts has raised questions, given his own controversial history. Critics argue that Hunter’s past actions may undermine the credibility of the pardon process. Supporters, however, contend that his experience with the system could provide valuable insights into the clemency process.
The outcome of this lobbying effort remains uncertain, as the decision to grant a presidential pardon lies solely with the sitting president. The case continues to draw attention to the complexities and controversies surrounding the federal pardon system.
Key Background on Duncan Hunter
Duncan Hunter served as a U.S. Congressman from California from 2009 to 2020. His legal issues began when he pleaded guilty to misusing campaign funds in 2019, which resulted in an 11-month prison sentence. Hunter’s pardon by President Trump in December 2020 reflects the forgiving nature of the current federal pardon system.
About Raymond Liddy
Raymond Liddy, distinguished by his lineage as the son of the late G. Gordon Liddy, was a deputy attorney general before facing serious legal challenges. His conviction in 2020 revolved around possessing child sexual abuse material, which ultimately led to a probation sentence and disbarment in 2023. This serious offense has raised significant concerns regarding his eligibility for clemency.
The Federal Pardon System
The federal pardon system gives the President of the United States the discretion to grant pardons for federal offenses. This system is designed to offer a second chance to those who have demonstrated rehabilitation and remorse, yet it remains a complex landscape, often influenced by public opinion and political considerations. The potential for political lobbying in these cases adds another layer of complexity.
Public Reaction to Hunter’s Advocacy
The public reaction to Hunter’s involvement in the lobbying effort for Liddy’s pardon has been mixed. Critics argue that Hunter’s controversial past could diminish trust in the pardon process. Conversely, supporters suggest his firsthand experience with the clemency process may lend valuable insights. The ongoing discourse highlights the tensions surrounding public figures who advocate for others facing legal challenges while navigating their own troubled pasts.
Conclusion
The case of Duncan Hunter advocating for Raymond Liddy illustrates the intricacies of the federal pardon system and the unpredictable nature of clemency efforts. As Hunter’s lobbying campaign unfolds, it remains essential for the public to remain informed and engaged in the discussions surrounding such cases, reflecting on the broader implications for justice and rehabilitation in our society. Supporting local entrepreneurs and advocating for processes that encourage responsible second chances can help promote a more equitable community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Duncan Hunter?
Duncan Hunter is a former U.S. Congressman from California who served from 2009 to 2020. In 2019, he pleaded guilty to misusing campaign funds and was sentenced to 11 months in prison. He was pardoned by President Donald Trump in December 2020.
What is Raymond Liddy’s conviction?
Raymond Liddy, a former deputy attorney general and son of the late G. Gordon Liddy, was convicted in 2020 of possessing child sexual abuse material. He was sentenced to five years of probation and disbarred by the State Bar of California in 2023.
What is the role of Duncan Hunter in Liddy’s clemency efforts?
Duncan Hunter is listed as a consultant in a federal lobbying disclosure filed in November 2025, working with Tommy Marquez Consulting to secure a presidential pardon for Raymond Liddy.
What was Duncan Hunter’s legal issue?
In 2019, Duncan Hunter pleaded guilty to misusing campaign funds for personal expenses, including family vacations and extramarital affairs. He was sentenced to 11 months in prison but was pardoned by President Donald Trump in December 2020.
What is the federal pardon system?
The federal pardon system allows the President of the United States to grant pardons for federal offenses, effectively forgiving the individual and removing penalties or legal consequences. The decision to grant a pardon is at the sole discretion of the sitting president.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Subject | Former Congressman Duncan Hunter’s involvement in advocating for a presidential pardon for Raymond Liddy. |
| Background | Hunter’s own legal history, including his 2019 guilty plea for misusing campaign funds and subsequent pardon in 2020. |
| Current Development | Hunter’s role as a consultant in a federal lobbying effort to secure clemency for Liddy, as disclosed in a November 2025 filing. |
| Public Reaction | Mixed reactions regarding Hunter’s involvement, with some questioning the credibility of the pardon process due to his past actions. |
| Legal Context | Overview of the federal pardon system and its application in these cases. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
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