Friday, March 30, 2012

ILARIO PANTANO: FINISHING THE JOURNEY

VERNE STRICKLAND BLOGMASTER 30 MARCH 2012

Friend,

This has been quite a journey and if I haven’t thanked enough for all your previous support, then I am sorry.  You are making this possible and we are very close to realizing our goal of sending a conservative to Washington who will challenge President Obama and his liberal agenda.

I am running hard for the U.S. Congress and I spend 15 hours a day meeting with people all over the 7^th District of North Carolina.  I have traveled over 100,000 miles in the past two years and made thousands of new friends.

I have looked folks in the eye. They have taken my measure and they have shared with me their concerns.  They know who I am now and they trust that I am going to fight hard for their families and for yours.

With 2012 getting away from us and a radical president POSSIBLY getting another 4 years in the White House, a fighter in Washington is what this district needs.

You and the people of southeastern North Carolina have told me so. Our 24,000 volunteer phone calls have told us so.  Even our recent 27-point lead in the polls confirms that our district wants a fighter.  My primary opponent is not the candidate that our district is looking for at this crucial moment in our nation’s history. I am.

We don’t need more politicians who went to Washington in the early 90’s and never looked back, we need patriots that will do the hard thing to actually change the CULTURE in Washington. As a lobbyist, my opponent will conform to what he knows.  On the other hand, as my history of service and sacrifice demonstrate, I will not be afraid to roll up my sleeves, rock the boat and work to reform an institution that 90% of Americans agree is rotten!

We have come a long way, and now it is time for the final push.

Now is the time for you to dig deep and consider a contribution for this primary campaign.  With the way the new maps have been drawn, the winner of this May 8 Primary will be your next Congressman.   Even Congressman McIntyre knows this.  That is why he considered running for Governor and giving up the seat he has held for 15 years.

In less than 2 months the voters will choose. While I am humbled to report that we have managed to steadily grow our 2-to-1 lead over our opponent (48% to 21%), the final fight is about to begin. I need your help to finish strong.

A contribution today of $250, $100 or even $50 will go a long way to help me continue to get my message across to the voters.

In the eight months since we opened our volunteer office in Wilmington, our campaign has invested heavily in building a volunteer Army that is over 1,000 strong.  We have over 11,000 contributors who have worked to help us change the political landscape both here and in Washington.

Many of our supporters continue to send us $10, $15 and $25 - almost once a month.  We are grateful to them because it comes from their subsistence. Not their surplus.  They are believers that one person can make a difference. Jill and I agree or she would never have agreed to the sacrifices we have had to make.  Not only have we personally invested over $15,000, we have invested our family’s precious time, and even our family name…Yes, the Democrats STILL run an attack site, slandering my mother my wife, and me. No wonder most good people choose not to run.

The past two years have taught us so much about this district and about what lies ahead in Washington.  That is why I am more committed than ever to reform the culture of corruption. From ending the insider trading, eliminating the pensions and gold-plated health care for members of congress and instituting TERM LIMITS, I am serious about trying to fix the root of the problem.  My opponent however does not support real reform and does not support term limits.  I see this race as service he sees it as a career.

Anyone can talk a good game about the Conservative platform and spurring growth in the private sector. But I am the only candidate that has achieved success in the private sector in FORTUNE 100 companies and small business. Anyone can talk about national security and energy independence, but I have fought two wars to prove my priorities and I have actually worked in the energy markets. Anyone can talk about conservative social values, but as a husband and father of two young boys I work hard everyday to live my witness and make the world a better place for my children. And for yours.

I won’t need as much money as my opponent to win in the May primary, but I do need to be able to be on TV in the final few weeks of the campaign.  That is why I am asking you to consider a contribution now of $50, $100, $250 or even more.

I have worked very hard to get to this point. Serving as a United States congressman will be the greatest responsibility and privilege of my life.  Thank you for all your support.

I remain “Always Faithful”-Semper Fidelis

Ilario Pantano

Verne Strickland Blogmaster 30 March 2012

Thursday, March 29, 2012

GOD DESIRES ALL PEOPLE TO BE SAVED -- WONDERFUL EASTER MESSAGE.

A New Letter from Franklin Graham

March 20, 2012 - Millions of people today live their lives “having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). And every day, people die without Christ.

by Franklin Graham

We have just completed a Crusade in Sendai, Japan, held to coincide with the anniversary of last year’s massive earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear reactor accident. Sendai is the largest city in the area overwhelmed by the triple disaster.

Japan has few Christians relative to its large population, and northwest Japan has fewer than most other parts of the country. Churches in Sendai typically average less than 30 in attendance, so it was a wonderful answer to prayer and brought great joy to Japanese Christians when nearly 12,000 people attended the Festival of Hope to hear the Gospel. The final meeting was the largest Christian gathering ever in that region of Japan.

We held the Crusade in the Grande 21 arena, a sports complex that had served as a temporary morgue after last year’s disaster. Many Christians asked God to transform the stadium—which had been a place for families to come and seek their dead—into a place where people found new life. God answered. Hundreds made decisions for Christ, and we give God the thanks and all the glory.

Members of one family said that they decided to attend the Crusade for a simple reason—after the tragedy, it was the military and Christians who came to help, and Christians were still there a year later, volunteering, rebuilding, and providing encouragement. That made them want to learn more about the Gospel.

I believe that God may be bringing a turnaround for the churches of Japan. The Bible says, “He … opens their ear by adversity” (Job 36:15, ESV). Before the disaster, the churches were not united. But one of the pastors told me, “Today the church is one.”

Two business owners in Sendai, neither of them followers of Christ, had formed a nonprofit community development organization to help their home city. Both suffered significant loss during the disaster. Though Buddhists, they decided to help the local churches promote the Crusade because they felt it would bring hope to the struggling area. Using their own time, money and resources, they advertised the Christian event and urged people to attend.

The night before the Crusade, one of the men explained that he wasn’t fully familiar with the Christian faith and wasn’t sure what to expect. “If there is a revelation from Jesus or a miracle at the event,” he said, “I think many hearts will be opened.”

He never expected the miracle to happen to him. At the Saturday night meeting, as he listened to the music, the testimonies, and the preaching, the “gospel came to [him] not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). He walked forward to declare his faith in Jesus Christ. “I had great guilt, and I needed to be forgiven by God,” he said after talking and praying with a counselor. To his surprise and delight, the Buddhist businessman who had partnered with him also responded to the Gospel the same night.

Pray for the new believers in Sendai and for the churches across Japan, and pray also for us. Delegations from four other cities—Tokyo, Hiroshima, Sapporo, and Fukuoka—came and requested Crusades during the next couple of years. I believe the Lord has opened up a door for effective ministry in that country, and we need His wisdom and His provision as we respond.

As this letter is being posted, my son Will is in the middle of two Crusade events in the Dallas, Texas, area. Although Dallas–Fort Worth is home to three major seminaries and eight of America’s largest megachurches, only about a fourth of those living in the region attend an evangelical church. Large numbers of people there have never really heard and understood the Gospel.

Pray that those who respond in “repentance toward God and … faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21) will find a church home, grow in their walk with the Lord, and begin to share their faith with others.

In April, I am headed to Ghana, West Africa, for a Crusade in the capital city of Accra. After that I will preach the Gospel in two European cities—first in Budapest, Hungary, and then at a youth evangelistic Crusade in Riga, Latvia.

Immediately afterward, I’ll return to the United States for Rock the Lakes, a multi-city series of evangelistic events in America’s Great Lakes region, beginning in Rochester, New York.

Millions of people today live their lives “having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). And every day, people die without Christ. At BGEA, we work to proclaim the Gospel to those who have not heard, because God “desires all people to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). Thank you for being a part of this ministry through your prayers and your giving.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

JUSTICES POISED TO STRIKE DOWN ENTIRE HEALTHCARE LAW!

Demonstrations outside the Supreme Court

Demonstrators pray outside the U.S. Supreme Court on the third day of oral
arguments over the constitutionality of Obama's healthcare law.

By David G. Savage

March 28, 2012, 8:35 a.m.

Reporting from Washington—

The Supreme Court's conservative justices said Wednesday they are prepared to strike down President Obama’s healthcare law entirely.

Picking up where they left off Tuesday, the conservatives said they thought a decision striking down the law's controversial individual mandate to purchase health insurance means the whole statute should fall with it.

The court’s conservatives sounded as though they had determined for themselves that the 2,700-page measure must be declared unconstitutional.

"One way or another, Congress will have to revisit it in toto," said Justice Antonin Scalia.

Agreeing, Justice Anthony Kennedy said it would be an "extreme proposition" to allow the various insurance regulations to stand after the mandate was struck down.

Meanwhile, the court's liberal justices argued for restraint. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said the court should do a "salvage job," not undertake a “wrecking operation." But she looked to be out-voted.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. said they shared the view of Scalia and Kennedy that the law should stand or fall in total. Along with Justice Clarence Thomas, they would have a majority to strike down the entire statute as unconstitutional.

An Obama administration lawyer, urging caution, said it would be "extraordinary" for the court to throw out the entire law. About 2.5 million young people under age 26 are on their parents' insurance now because of the new law. If it were struck down entirely, "2.5 million of them would be thrown off the insurance rolls," said Edwin Kneedler.

The administration indicated it was prepared to accept a ruling that some of the insurance reforms should fall if the mandate were struck down. For example, insurers would not be required to sell coverage to people with preexisting conditions. But Kneedler, a deputy solicitor general, said the court should go no further.

But the court's conservatives said the law was passed as a package and must fall as a package.

The justices are scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon to debate the law's Medicaid expansion.
Follow Politics Now on Twitter
david.savage@latimes.com

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

CIVITAS POLL GIVES SOLID LEAD TO McCRORY OVER DEMOCRAT HOPEFULS.

March 27, 2012
CONTACT: Jim Tynen (919) 834-2099
James.Tynen@NCCivitas.org

Raleigh, N.C. – The latest poll from the John W. Pope Civitas Institute shows former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory maintaining a solid lead over all likely Democratic challengers.

Registered voters were asked who they'd vote for if the election were held today and the candidates were McCrory, a Republican, and former U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, a Democrat. Forty-nine percent picked McCrory; 34 percent chose Etheridge.

McCrory, the favorite for the GOP nomination, also bested Lt. Governor Walter Dalton by 48 percent to 32 percent in the poll. State Rep. Bill Faison (D-Orange) was supported by 28 percent of respondents, with McCrory the choice of 51 percent of voters.
The results showed little change from last month's Civitas Poll.

"Primary campaigns usually boost one candidate's profile compared to the other party's hopefuls," Civitas President Francis X. De Luca said. "That hasn't happened here yet. McCrory will start the general election race with a base of voters being 'definitely' in support of him. After the May 8 primary, the Democratic nominee will likely have a steep hill to climb."

The Civitas Poll is the only regular live-caller poll of critical issues facing North Carolina. For more information on Civitas polling see http://www.nccivitas.org/category/poll/.

Full text of questions:

If the election for Governor were held today and you had to make a choice, for whom would you vote if the candidates were: Pat McCrory, the Republican or Walter Dalton, the Democrat?

2/12     3/12
49%    48%    Total McCrory
30%    32%    Total Dalton
37%     36%     Definitely McCrory
10%     10%     Probably McCrory
2%       2%       Lean McCrory
20%     18%     Undecided (DO NOT READ)
2%       2%       Lean Dalton
7%       9%       Probably Dalton
20%     21%     Definitely Dalton
2%       2%       Refused

If the election for Governor were held today and you had to make a choice, for whom would you vote if the candidates were: Pat McCrory, the Republican or Bob Etheridge, the Democrat?

2/12     3/12
46%    49%    Total McCrory
32%    34%    Total Etheridge
36%     36%     Definitely McCrory
9%       10%     Probably McCrory
2%       3%       Lean McCrory
19%     15%     Undecided
2%       3%       Lean Etheridge
9%       9%       Probably Etheridge
21%     23%     Definitely Etheridge
2%       2%       Refused

If the election for Governor were held today and you had to make a choice, for whom would you vote if the candidates were: Pat McCrory, the Republican or Bill Faison, the Democrat?

2/12     3/12
48%    51%    Total McCrory
27%    28%    Total Faison
38%     37%     Definitely McCrory
9%       11%     Probably McCrory
1%       3%       Lean McCrory
22%     19%     Undecided
2%       2%       Lean Faison
8%       7%       Probably Faison
18%     20%     Definitely Faison
3%       2%       Refused

Monday, March 26, 2012

I'm Verne Strickland. I have bone cancer. It will not take my life."

By Verne Strickland / March 27, 2012

I have bone cancer. Multiple Myeloma.

“But,” my doctor says, “it probably won’t kill you.”

He is smiling.

My wife Durrene and eldest son Martin are there with me. We have come for “the report”. They are smiling too. I’m sure I am as well.

In years not too far behind us, the news likely would have not been so cheery.

“We owe much to modern medicine,” observes Wilmington oncologist Dr. William McNulty. “It is exciting, it is at our disposable, and we apply it gratefully.”

The past month has been a roller coaster ride of ups and down -- biopsies, CT scans, x-rays, MRIs, blood tests, counseling, radiation treatments, trips to hospitals, visits with an impressive array of medical specialists, and the opportunity to meet dozens of cancer patients like myself.

Through it all, I am impressed and reassured by the one constant that clearly runs through all the waiting rooms, operating rooms, and recovery rooms I pass through.

That unexpected constant element is calm. Serenity. Stoicism. Resilience. The irrepressible human spirit .

What is the source of this confidence, or, should I say, this optimism, or better yet – faith that what we patients share is not a sentence, or even a burden, but an opportunity to interact with others who labor gamely, even joyously, to see this experience through, profit from it, use it to grow in strength and in an appreciation of life.

Some of those I met are at the beginning of this journey. Others near the end of it. But there is a dignity here that I did not expect to encounter. It has meant much to me.

Whereas I am a writer, my tendency here has been to hold the subject – cancer – at arm’s length, and describe what I see. But I am daily brought back to the realization that I observe this from inside the bubble. I too have cancer. I have an uncertain future. And I am suffering.

Let me delay no longer to cut to the chase. I have been given a reprieve. The cancer which has gnawed secretly at my bones has not had much of a head start.

Signs of a real problem came in the form of a mighty pain which slammed into my hips and legs. I soon became almost unable to walk. I had no energy. My appetite vanished. I quickly lost weight, and within a short period was down to within five pounds of my weight when I was a 145-pound soldier in basic training at Fort Jackson. Then I was running my butt off, so to speak. Now, I was simply losing it. No way this was right.

There is a wonderful medical community here in the Cape Fear Region, and I was swept quickly into it. We who live here – in particular the seniors (I am 75) – are fortunate to have such an asset at our doorstep – world-class hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and a cadre of high-caliber physicians – many board-certified -- who guard our quality of life. I have seen it in action, benefited from it, and am proud of what I know and see.

In future columns I will write more about this personal journey seeking escape from cancer. I know that I am a stronger, more compassionate man for the experience.

Although I am a survivor, I am not one who has “escaped” from cancer. Radiation has struck a blow at this malignancy in my bones, but it continues to visit many parts of my body, where it lurks and will become problematic.

My oncologist today shared treatment options which are capable of detecting and killing the cancer cells, hopefully keeping them in check while I succumb eventually to some other malady which will do the same job in a different way.

Sound spooky? To me that sounds great. I may not know the identity of what will eventually claim me. But it won’t be Multiple Myeloma. We live to fight another day.

The main weapon in the medical arsenal being readied for me will be IV chemotherapy using a new “Wow” drug which specifically targets multiple myeloma, is very dependable and efficient, but has few troubling side effects. I signed up. Treatment starts within a week.

From the outset of this experience, I have seen God – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ -- in the midst of it all. He hears our prayers, and he answers them. I’m grateful to friends who have sent up many of those prayers. They matter. They have been a comfort.

It is through the campaign of my dear friend Ilario Pantano that I have come to know so many of you. This is my real community, and I love and feel close to every one of you. I lean on you at this time.

Ilario Pantano reminded me when he learned of my illness: “Oftentimes the answers from on high are not of our own choosing. But they do come from God. And that is awesome.”

That it is, Ilario. That it is.

Pantano - Rouzer Debate Series Opens With March 27 Match-Up in Brunswick. Let the Games Begin!

Verne Strickland Blogmaster / March 26, 2012

Ilario is excited, and we hope you are too, that this Tuesday, March 27, is the first NC-7 Congressional debate in Brunswick County. We need you there in your P4C gear! Below you will find a full schedule of the four debates planned before the May 8th Primary. But first, we want to update you on some exciting developments with the campaign and some upcoming events with Ilario we don’t want you to miss.

First, for anyone who missed it, Ilario is up 47-23 over his closest rival in a Citizens United poll taken earlier this month! While we are honored by the support we are receiving across the district, the last thing we can do is let up now. The work you do between now and the election will determine whether we win or lose. So please, come into the office to volunteer, put a bumper sticker on your car, bring a friend to one of the events below, and help out however else you can. This is the home stretch, and it’s time to push!

On Wednesday, Ilario will challenge the Mexican Consul General during the North Carolina General Assembly hearing on the costs of illegal immigration. The hearing begins at 1:00 P.M. in Room 643 of the Legislative Office Building in Raleigh. Illegal immigration is costing North Carolina more than $2 billion every year. So we hope you will join Ilario and let your voice be heard this Wednesday.

On March 31^st, we will be having two exciting campaign events featuring special guest Rep. Duncan Hunter, former Chairman of the Armed Services Committee and 2008 conservative presidential candidate, who has offered his strong endorsement of Ilario. In the morning we will be holding a Sportsman’s Breakfast and Raffle Drawing at the Front Porch Restaurant in Elizabethtown. Click here to learn more about the guns we are raffling off, and on how to buy your tickets. You can also call the office at (910) 821-0089. Also on March 31^st, Ilario will again be welcoming Chairman Hunter at Magnolia Greens Golf Course for a Golf Tournament and Awards Banquet. For more information on this event, click here or email finance@pantanoforcongress.com.

This past week marked the two-year anniversary of ObamaCare. And today, the Supreme Court begins to hear oral arguments in a pivotal case over its constitutionality. In addition to being in clear violation of the Constitution, ObamaCare has done significant damage to the economy, and slashes $500 billion from Medicare programs our seniors depend on. Click here to read a terrific Wall Street Journal editorial on the anniversary and the upcoming Supreme Court decision, and to see what Ilario has to say about it.

Some of you might have seen that on Tuesday, the Obama Pentagon announced massive cuts to the United States military. In addition to the national security concerns of 7,000 Marines being cut from Camp Lejeune, the economic effect for the Jacksonville and Fayetteville areas will be profound when those 20,000 family members also leave. While Ilario supports trimming the fat and redundancy in our defense budget, he insists that we must protect the muscle. With all the unnecessary spending Obama has forced down our throats, it is a disgrace that our military and our seniors be the only ones to shoulder the burden.

Also, Check out Ilario’s recent interview on WECT. He discusses the changes to the district and his plan for how to get the economy growing again, and some of the differences between Ilario and his opponents. Ilario was asked “What concrete steps [he] would take to help job creation.” His response: First, 1. Repeal Obamacare. 2. Repeal Dodd-Frank. And 3. Repeal Sarbanes-Oxley. Second, adopt a Pro-Growth agenda of simplifying our tax rate, reducing government deficit spending and eliminating burdensome and unnecessary regulations.

Lastly, earlier this month, as many of you may have heard, Obama’s Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta testified to Congress that the Obama administration would seek the permission of the U.N. – and not the United States Congress – before it goes to war. We think you’ll agree that this is a disgrace, and that our elected officials must hold Obama accountable if he once again demonstrates his indifference toward the Constitution. So, On March 14, Ilario joined Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) in demanding that Obama follow the Constitution and seek a war authorization from Congress, or else face impeachment.

NC-7 Debate Schedule

Please join us at one or more of these upcoming debates. Ilario and the team will be holding a volunteer meeting after each one. We look forward to seeing you there!

March 27: Brunswick County Republican Women's Debate
6:00-11:00 PM (Debate begins at 7:00 PM, Meet and Greet is 6:00-7:00 PM)
101 Stone Chimney Road Supply, NC

April 9: Johnston County GOP Debate
Time TBD
Johnston Community College, 245 College Road Smithfield, NC

April 17: New Hanover County GOP/Lower Cape Fear Republican Women Debate
6:00-9:00 PM
Old Court House: Market Street at Third Street (Downtown) Wilmington, NC

April 24: Bladen County GOP Debate
7:00-9:00 PM (time subject to change)
Bladen County Courthouse: 166 Courthouse Drive Elizabethtown, NC

Onwards!

Brian Long
Pantano For Congress
www.PantanoForCongress.com
Brian@PantanoForCongress.com
o: (910) 821-0089
m: (804) 241-5297

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Pantano for Congress volunteer Lois Dixon: 'Ilario is not moved by money, influence or power. He just has a heart for service. There's no hidden agenda."

By Verne Strickland / Blogmaster / March 25, 2012

Lois Dixon, a fiercely loyal volunteer for Ilario Pantano, is a mother, grandmother, and successful real estate agent. She is Christian, conservative, Republican, and she'll challenge you in a second if you want to debate politics, social issues, illegal immigration, or who the Seventh Congressional District needs in the U.S. Congress.

I recently interviewed her for this USA DOT COM Pantano Volunteer 2012 feature article:

"When I pick up the phone in the Pantano for Congress volunteer office, I always like to lead off with where this country is taking our children. We desperately need to get outstanding conservative Christian leadership in Washington.

VS: And let’s add that we need combat-seasoned U.S. military veterans. I think we have only around two percent of our members of Congress who have been in combat, met the enemy on the field of battle, and understand that when force is in the right, it should be used.

Yes. That’s one thing with Ilario and so many like him. Ilario is one of America’s sons. One of America’s soldiers who go on battlefields around the world and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. To protect the homeland, to protect what we stand for. That speaks volumes to me, that he has served honorably in our fighting forces, and loves America do much. Why would he have stepped out and fought in two wars had he not had a real reverence from our freedoms?

He's honest and he's sincere. People recognize that the moment they meet him. When average American citizens have the chance to meet Ilario and talk they like him, they see why so many of us are passionate about this outstanding American and his willingness to serve.

It’s just so obvious that he has a heart for service. He’s not moved by money or power. What consumes him is to make use of the opportunities to honor America by service – in the military, in the United States Congress – day in and day out. This is how we build our future.

He is steady and dependable. We know who Ilario is. We know what to expect of him, and he will deliver. Few bets in life are sure things. This candidate, Ilario Pantano, is a sure thing.

As most of us know, Ilario is a wonderful husband and father. He’s a family man so I know he understands my own concerns about what America’s future holds for my children and grandchildren.

I want everyone to look seriously at Ilario Pantano, compare him to others in this race, in terms of character, in terms of vision, intellect, and heart. You'll find there is a clear choice between these two men. Please do that. And pray on your decision.

VS: How did you first become aware of candidate Ilario Pantano, and, later, David Rouzer?

My son Jay, who is 35 now, and employed at GE, brought Ilario to my attention He called and said, “Mom, I’ve heard this man speak, and I really like him. Mr. Pantano. If we could get him to Washington, it would be such a great step forward. He’s very bright, he was in the military, and I want you to meet him. I listened, and did as Jay asked. This was even before the primary last year. Following that I had a meet and greet featuring Ilario at my home. That started the Pantano ball rolling for my family and many of our neighbors.

We need some straight talk from Mr. Rouzer on who he really is, on issues like terms limits, immigration, integrity, fiscal matters, abortion. I think, although I’m not sure, that Rouzer is anti-abortion. I'd like to get his statement on that for the record.

I have sat in meetings where several issues came up that concern me about David Rouzer. I frankly don’t know him. He may be a nice guy. I can't say. I do know Ilario, who he is and what he stands for. I trust him.

I think Ilario’s run for Congress has become a heartfelt crusade for many conservative Cape Fear families and individuals. He's the leader we've been waiting for.

VS: Well what about Mr. Rouzer? How do you size him up?

One of my many concerns with David Rouzer is his ties to big agriculture in Johnston County, where he makes his home. Now don't get me wrong. How can being close to the farm sector be a problem? Johnston County has a proud agricultural history, but when you're David Rouzer, native son, and you're running for the U.S. Congress, you can't escape the fact that you are the Big Ag guy.

Many of his contributions are coming from the big agricultural interests, the corporations, the factory farms, and with that being what he's most familiar with, I don't see how there's much room for loyalty to our coastal areas, which make up most of the Seventh Congressional District, and have a unique set of problems and opportunities.

He lobbies for amnesty for illegals, and that directly benefits big agriculture. But this fact is not a blessing for all of us in North Carolina who pay taxes, and pay to educate illegal populations and tend to their health care. I think all this is going to be a huge conflict of interest.

This needs to be looked at very closely before David Rouzer comes before Seventh District voters in the May primary as he faces conservative Christian Republican Ilario Pantano, a Marine combat veteran, family man, a gentleman, a leader, and a true conservative.

The winner of the primary will face off against incumbent Democrat Mike McIntyre in the November general elections.

The stakes are high. We need a host of informed voters to go to the polls committed to supporting Ilario Pantano.