Rep. Duncan D. Hunter is broadly expected to cruise to re-election in November, but thats not keeping his two opponents from planning spirited, grassroots campaigns. James Kimber, a Democrat, and Mike Benoit, a Libertarian, are both working to end Hunters congressional career.

Hunter, though, has all the advantages of rich funding and incumbency, plus a name that resonates in the district, which ranges from Temecula in the north to beyond El Cajon in the south.

Hunter filled his fathers shoes in 2008, when Duncan L. Hunter retired from the seat he held from 1981 to 2009, rising to chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. In 2008, the elder Hunter sought the Republican Party nomination for president, but dropped out after failing to gain traction among voters in early primaries and caucuses.

Challenger Kimber, a physicians assistant, said he knows he is in for a rough race, but he believes its worth it because hes frustrated by a polarized, paralyzed Congress.

Its a daunting task (running against such an established candidate); so, people throw their hands up in the air, he said and decline to even try. I guess I believe in serving my country.

The younger Hunter coasted to victory in 2008, winning 56 percent of the vote. In his most recent general election contest in 2012, Hunter bested Democratic nominee David Secor, 68 percent to 32 percent.

University of Virginias Center for Politics, which analyzes races, calls it a safe Republican district. Hunters seat, Claremont McKenna College political science professor Jack Pitney said, remains a lock.

Unless it turns out that he has a secret life as a cat burglar, he has a pretty firm grip on his seat, Pitney said.

Pitney added that the district has the highest Republican share of voters of any district in California. Mitt Romney won it by 22 percentage points.

Additionally, Hunter is far ahead of his challengers in the money game. He has $398,979 on hand, while Kimber has spent more than he has raised and Benoit has not yet started fundraising. Benoit said he will start raising money after the June 3 primary, if he emerges as one of the top two finishers.

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POLITICS: Hunter a lock, but challengers plan spirited attack