here's cnn's sarah sidner. >> reporter: representative duncan hunter clearly trying to push some of histors very clear in saying it is the both of them they are accusing of stealing hundreding of thousands of dollars from his campaign funds. instead of the halls of congress, duncan hunter entered the halls of justice in san diego. he and his wife making their first court appearance after being indicted by a federal grand jury. they're accusedfed stealing more than $250,000 of campaign funds to furnish a lavish lifestyle. including a $14,000 family trip to italy. $11,000 at cost-co, $3,000 on fast food and thousands of dollars on clothing, some of which they tried to pawn off as charity for wounded veterans. both remain defiant, pleading not guilty. the day before court, hunter went on the attack against the justice department. >> i paid the money back. this is political. period. >> reporter: that is also what he told a crowd at a town hall back in 2017. >> what i am is a representative to you and a campaign finance stuff, i was not watching it close enough. i have fixed it now. i have f