Ilario Pantano endorses GOP nonimee David Rouzer, urges supporters to join him.

This is the man we fought for. He's still strong and faithful with a heart that's in the right place.  Verne Strickland

Wilmington, NC: May 10, 2012

Friends, David Rouzer is our Republican Nominee for the 7th Congressional District. I support him and I hope you will too. 

I ask that you focus on the importance of a strong and unified conservative voice in defeating Barack Obama and I ask that you help David Rouzer in his effort to build a Republican firewall here in SE North Carolina.

We cannot afford the luxury of hurt feelings or disappointment. We were knocked down on May 8, but I ask that you get up and like me, brush yourself off and get back in the fight. 

Yesterday does not define us.  What you, your friends and family choose to do in the coming days will say more about your character than any political victory or defeat ever could.

Look to the example of General Robert E. Lee. It pained him to surrender, but he knew that he must and he knew that America needed him to lead the charge in healing its wounds.  Had Lee chosen to engage in partisan guerilla attacks, the war between the states would still be underway today.  Instead General Lee chose to do his duty as a Christian gentleman and work for peace in the years after the war.

  

I ask all of you to join me in humbly trying to live a witness of love, compassion and forgiveness for a cause bigger than all of us.  Let us make ourselves small so that we can make our faith big. If we can do that, it will be clear that there is only one way forward: Together.

We are in an ideological battle for the soul of our country.  If you truly believe that the future of America is at stake, as I do, than you and I cannot afford to delay in supporting David.  How we got here or the squabbling of intra-party politics will be of little consequence to your children and grand children as their futures are mortgaged by Obama and his team.

My experience on the battlefield has reaffirmed Winston Churchill’s adage: “It's not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what's required.” Today what is required is that we defeat Barack Obama and his lieutenant here in SE North Carolina: Mike McIntyre! We must ensure that we have a strong majority of conservative Republicans in the State House, the US Congress and the White House. 

We must work to ensure David Rouzer is our next congressman, Pat McCrory is our next Governor and Mitt Romney is our next president. The arguments have been made and the verdict has been rendered. Will you join me in putting your country and your duty first? Standing off on the sidelines is not an option, my friends.

Below are links to the Websites for David Rouzer, Pat McCrory and Mitt Romney.

I have just contributed $25 dollars to all of them and I ask that you do too. Put your money where your mouth is, join me and commit to victory in November!

www.DavidRouzer.com

www.PatMccrory.com

www.MittRomney.com

I remain Always Faithful, to God, Corps, and Country.

Your Friend, your servant and your brother in Christ,

Ilario Pantano

###

David Rouzer won only four counties in carrying NC GOP7 over Pantano

Verne Strickland / Blogmaster / May 10 12:10 AM

David Rouzer answers questions during an interview with Radio America in his Wilmington campaign headquarters Wednesday.

Patrick.Gannon@StarNewsOnline.com

Published: Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 4:02 p.m.

 

On his home turf of Johnston County, state Sen. David Rouzer dominated Tuesday's Republican primary, topping Ilario Pantano by more than 12,000 votes there.

Pantano, an author and former Marine who lives in Wilmington, wasn't able to overcome his lopsided loss in Johnston, despite winning eight of the 12 counties in the newly drawn 7th Congressional District.

Republicans in the N.C. General Assembly drew that county – including Rouzer's residence in rural McGee's Crossroads – into the district as part of last year's redistricting process.

When all the votes were tallied by early Wednesday, Rouzer defeated Pantano, the GOP nominee in 2010, by more than 2,800 votes and 4 percentage points, according to unofficial results from the N.C. State Board of Elections.

Despite winning just four counties – Hoke, Johnston, Lenoir and Sampson – Rouzer will face longtime Rep. Mike McIntyre, a Democrat from Lumberton, in the November election.

Rouzer, 40, is in his second term representing Johnston and Wayne counties in the state Senate. A former staffer for the late Sen. Jesse Helms, Rouzer also owns a small consulting business.

Rouzer also received a significant number of votes in the other main population centers in the 7th District – Brunswick and New Hanover counties, which were thought to be Pantano strongholds. Rouzer was virtually unknown in the Wilmington area a few months ago.

Pantano won both counties – 11,151 to 7,047 in New Hanover, and 8,333 to 4,641 in Brunswick. But Rouzer's showing there was enough to keep his huge lead from Johnston County intact.

NC7 GOP nomination tips Rouzer's way amid dust-up over TV report about Pantano rally

VERNE STRICKLAND: CONFLICTING VERSIONS OF WWAY-TV REPORT, AND MOOD OF PANTANO'S DEPARTURE SULLY TONE OF ELECTION EVENING.

By: Breanna Walden

WILMINGTON -- After a nail biting election night, State Sen. David Rouzer won the Republican nomination for the 7th congressional district race. Rouzer will now face long time Democratic incumbent Mike McIntyre.

Despite the turnout at his Wilmington rally being small, Rouzer said he had a good feeling all along.

"There were a number of folks down here in New Hanover County that walked by and nodded their head and said I am with you," said Rouzer.

When his opponent Ilario Pantano first walked into his rally in Wilmington, spirits were high despite Rouzer just pulling ahead in the polls.

Pantano urged his supporters to stay optimistic and no matter what the outcome, continue to fight for what they believe in.

"There's no choice but to get behind whatever the force is to bring conservative values to Washington, DC," said Pantano. "I believe while my opponent and I had a vigorous primary, we still represent a better alternative than a Democrat going back to Washington."
 
As the night went on, Rouzer was declared the winner but Pantano left his rally without officially conceding. "The fact of the matter is we still don't know what the outcome is so we are waiting to see what the outcome is and then we will evaluate that outcome," said Pantano. (This does not square with WWAY's critical description of Pantano's departure.)

FOR COMPARISON, LINK TO WWAY STORY:  http://www.wwaytv3.com/2012/05/09/the-rant-pantano-pouts-after-ap-calls-race

But Rouzer said Wednesday is day one of his new campaign.

"We're going to have to raise a bunch of money, we are going to have to get out and work really hard and we are going to go after the Democratic incumbent Mike McIntyre. He has been too wrong for too long," said Rouzer.

Pantano said he will take another look at the official results Wednesday morning and then make a decision about his next steps.

Randy Crow came in third place in this race.

Rouzer edges Pantano for win in North Carolina 7th District GOP primary.

Verne Strickland Blogmaster / May 9, 2012

We are honored and humbled by your support and devotion. Remember that this is race is bigger than us. We must keep our eyes focused on conservative Victories this Fall. Please continue to stay engaged in defense of liberty. We love you, and we are grateful for you all.  Please start retrieving signs ASAP. We thank you. My phone, email and heart are always open to you all.  I remain Semper Fidelis, Ilario

Unsubscribe vernestrickland@aol.com from this list | Forward to a friend | Update your profile Thank you for your support. If you would like to be removed from our email database, please unsubscribe below. Our mailing address is: Pantano For Congress PO Box 11280 Wilmington, NC 28404

*** ILARIO PANTANO WINS GOP PRIMARY IN LANDSLIDE.

*** "ILARIO PANTANO WINS GOP PRIMARY IN LANDSLIDE" is a test headline prepared in advance for use in case this actually happens. And it may. He surely deserves it, don't you think?

 

The custom headline was offered to us by an outfit calling itself WIKILEAKS NORTH CAROLINA, which is purportedly owned and operated by someone named BUBBA ASSANGE, son of his father, JULIAN ASSANGE.

Ours is the only legitimate news organization offered this headline before the polls close. It is a coveted honor which we covet, and which we accept humbly but with genuine elation.

This is only a test. If this were a true 911 NC/7 congressional announcement, you would have been asked to pack a light lunch with sugar-free drinks, go the the nearest bathroom, get in the tub, and lock the door, leaving your husband outside to feed the dogs.

The real news of this signal political event will be broadcast tonight. Do not be alarmed. Just set your clocks ahead or behind one hour, whichever comes first, and hope that Pantano does win. Your life will be a more joyous experience if this is the case.

Now please go and vote. You know who the man is. We've done our job. Do yours. America will be proud of you! And you will sleep better.

Your pal and fan, Verne Strickland.

Pantano for Congress -- Get out and vote Tuesday, May 8, 2012!

 DO IT AND BE PROUD!

Verne Strickland Blogmaster / May 7, 2012 THIS IS IT! Primary Day is finally upon us, and your long-awaited opportunity to send a real conservative and patriot to Washington is at hand! So if you didn’t vote early, please get out and vote tomorrow, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.  To find your polling ocation, follow this link: http://www.ncsbe.gov/PrecinctFinder.aspx Help Spread Ilario’s Message We need your help to spread Ilario’s message as voters make their  way to the polls. Please donate a few hours of your time to hold  a sign at your local polling location or make some phone calls reminding your neighbors to vote. Stop by our office at 8207 Market St. in Wilmington anytime today or tomorrow. If you are willing to show your support for Ilario at a voting location, contact Jason Britt at Jason@pantanoforcongress.com or call him at (910) 876-4261. If you don’t live in the district, please help spread Ilario’s message on Facebook or by email. To view Ilario’s 4P (Prosper, Protect, Preserve, Principled Leadership) platform, follow this link: http://pantanoforcongress.com/issues-0, and please share it with your friends and family. Visit our website: www.PantanoForCongress.com to view articles on our race, videos, and other great information on Ilario and the NC-7 Primary. Join Ilario and His Family at Our Victory Party Tomorrow Evening After the polls close tomorrow, the Pantano for Congress Campaign will be holding a celebration for supporters and volunteers at the Fox and Hound Restaurant in Mayfaire Town Center in Wilmington. Ilario, Jill, and the boys will be welcoming supporters and watching with them as the Primary Day results come in. The Campaign has reserved a private room from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Dinner and refreshments will be served (Dutch treat). The Fox and the Hound is located at 920 Town Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405. 4P Platform – Share It With Your Friends! PROSPER – An author, Pantano has worked in global markets and small business. He has signed the front of a paycheck and understands that we grow our national economy by cutting taxes and regulation     Create private sector jobs by reducing taxes and bureaucratic uncertainty     Build industry by lifting burdensome regulation. Repeal Obamacare     CUT, CAP, BALANCE: Make substantial CUTS in spending that will reduce the deficit; impose enforceable statutory CAPS on spending that put us on a path to a balanced budget; and pass a BALANCED Budget Amendment that limits spending and requires a super majority for raising taxes     Secure American energy independence and put Americans back to work by developing all of our energy resources PROTECT – A U.S. Marine Corps officer, Pantano has fought two wars, for his family and for yours, and in Congress he will always fight for our military and our national security     Protect our homeland and our economy by securing the borders     Protect our citizens from terrorists and Islamic extremist     Guard against Chinese currency manipulation and Middle East oil blackmail     Anticipate future threats including Radiological and EMP, Biological, and Cyber attacks PRESERVE – A Christian, Pantano is a husband and father of two young children and wants to preserve the traditional family values and conservative principles upon which our nation was founded     Preserve our God-given rights as a nation conceived in Liberty     Protect traditional marriage and stop Leftist judicial activism     Pro-life: Protect God’s most innocent and vulnerable, the unborn     Protect our 2nd amendment right to bear arm     Respect our seniors by honoring our promise to preserve Social Security and Medicare PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP – Pantano, a former deputy Sheriff, wants to end the culture of corruption in Washington     Demand term-limits to replace our career politicians with citizen legislators; pass an amendment to the Constitution limiting members of Congress to three terms in the House of Representatives and two terms in the Senate     Curb the influence of special interest money by shutting the revolving door between lobbyists and Congress in order to restore the people’s trust in government     Cut the Pay of members of Congress by 25%, eliminate their Federal pensions and strip them of their Gold plated medical insurance     Restore America’s faith in Government by ending Congressional insider trading For more information, go to www.PantanoForCongress.com ### Our mailing address is: Ilario Pantano PO Box 11280 Wilmington, NC 28404