STAR-NEWS FANS PRIMARY FLAMES, MOCKS PANTANO, SPARES ROUZER, THEN PUNTS.

ILARIO PANTANO AND DAVID ROUZER
GOP/7 CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES

  

WILMINGTON STAR-NEWS ONLINE

Published: Friday, April 13, 2012 at 5:28 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, April 13, 2012 at 5:28 p.m.

It’s always amusing watching candidates in the primaries trying to convince the faithful that they are more of a Democrat or Republican than their challengers. In the bare-knuckled 7th Congressional District race between Republicans Ilario Pantano and David Rouzer, sometimes it’s easy to forget that they are vying for a common goal – unseating incumbent Democrat Mike McIntyre.

Republicans and independents who choose to vote in the May 8 primary will see a stark contrast between polished, slick Pantano of Wilmington, a former Marine who covets the national stage and has latched on to illegal immigration as his wedge issue, and Rouzer, a state senator from Johnston County who has less flash but more experience in actual governance. The third candidate, Randy Crow of Bladen County, is merely a distraction.

Who is more “conservative”? Who better aligns with Republican Party ideals? And who has the better chance of beating McIntyre in November? Those three points are what voters will consider as they head to the polls.

The StarNews Editorial Board will make no recommendation in this or any other primary race (although we will do so in the general election and on the ballot issue on same-sex unions), but we will comment on the horse races and the issues.

The truth is, neither can be labeled liberal, although Pantano likes to paint Rouzer as a political insider who wants to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants and doesn’t deserve to call himself a conservative.

According to the Civitas Institute, a Raleigh think tank funded almost exclusively by discount-retail mogul Art Pope, Rouzer voted “conservatively” on 95 percent of the bills on which the institute ranked legislators in 2011, giving him a grade of A. He received poor marks in the two previous sessions. However, in 2010 only one state senator received a grade higher than a C, and Rouzer (D-) was listed as the eighth most conservative senator on the Civitas scale.

Since conservative kingmakers like candidates who sign pledges to vote only one way, it is worth noting that Rouzer signed a pledge to secure the borders.

As a lobbyist representing North Carolina tobacco interests and other clients, he did push for a bill that would offer temporary residence and a possible path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who met certain work requirements. 

At one of the debates with Pantano, Rouzer noted that a similar bill was supported in the 1990s by prominent Republicans, including former Sens. Jesse Helms of North Carolina and Trent Lott of Mississippi.

Pantano’s track record is based on his previous campaign for office and his Marine Corps career, which ended after he was accused of murdering two unarmed Iraqis (using 40 to 60 rounds of ammunition), charges that were dismissed in an Article 32 hearing. He’s been running for the 7th District seat nearly full time since he lost to McIntyre in the 2010 general election.

But the national Republican Party noticed him, and he was a hit at GOP fundraisers outside North Carolina. 

His delivery and the initial impression he makes on people cannot be underestimated. The question is whether he is more interested in representing his constituents inside the state or in making a national name for himself.

McIntyre has spent his congressional career focusing on the 7th District. He has a penchant for passing out oversize checks to veterans groups and other causes that are difficult to argue with. He has carved out a reputation as a Blue Dog Democrat, one who leans conservative especially on social issues and spending that doesn’t specifically involved his district.

But his district has changed. Republican state lawmakers strategically placed him in a different congressional district as they redrew election maps. By law he can still run in the 7th District, and that scenario is not unprecedented.

Even so, McIntyre will face a tough challenge because many voters in his new district don’t know him. This election will be a difficult test of his ability to woo voters.

It will test his electability like never before to win over both conservatives and traditional Democrats, whose votes he will need to beat whichever Republican becomes his eventual challenger.

But first, we have to get through the primary.

VERNE STRICKLAND/ USA DOT COM BLOGMASTER  041312

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. 

Amnesty for illegals is WRONG. Why can't artful dodger David Rouzer and his minions see that!

Verne Strickland Blogmaster / March 20, 2011

 

MR. ROUZER, WE WANT TO KNOW YOU. YOUR TRUE FEELINGS, 

LOYALTIES, HOPES AND CONCERNS FOR AMERICA. THIS MESSAGE 

CAUSES US TO PONDER HOW YOU WOULD SUPPORT US IN 

WASHINGTON. WE KNOW WHOM YOU SEEM TO BE BUT NOT WHO

YOU TRULY ARE. PLEASE LET'S GET ACQUAINTED.

0:15 / 1:01

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Uploaded by PantanoForCongress on Nov 23, 2011

Do you want GOP Amnesty supporters in Congress? Pantano needs your help to stop Lobbyist Rouzer In North Carolina's 2012 GOP Primary.

A grassroots conservative former Marine, Ilario Pantano, is squaring off with a career politican and lobbyist, David Rouzer, that has been PAID thousands of dollars to support Amnesty. The big money political machine that is behind Rouzer wants Amnesty and all that stands in their way is Ilario Pantano, and you.

Will you please take a moment to learn about the issues and the candidates in the important race at RouzerForAmnesty.com or PantanoForCongress.com

Is it true that David Rouzer lobbied for amnesty for illegal immigrants?

Yes.

David Rouzer, by his own admission, personally lobbied the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate in support of S.340, the "AgJOBS Act of 2007." If passed, the AgJOBS Act would have granted amnesty to millions of agricultural workers and their families who came to and reside in this country illegally.
(http://www.heritage.org/Research/Reports/2007/09/The-Ag-JOBS-Act-Immigration-Am­nesty-Revived)

Rouzer lobbied for illegal amnesty on behalf of Mt. Olive Pickle Company, a Mt. Olive, North Carolina processor of cucumbers and pickles. In his Lobbying Disclosure Act filing in 2007, Rouzer listed "comprehensive immigration reform" as the issue lobbied for on behalf of Mt. Olive Pickle (http://disclosures.house.gov/ld/pdfform.aspx?id=200038640)

Does Rouzer's primary opponent, Ilario Pantano, support amnesty for illegal immigrants.

No.

As the son of a legal immigrant to the United States, Pantano is well aware of the benefits of legal immigration and the contribution of legal immigrants. However, Pantano understands equally well the devastating impact illegal immigration is having on our State and on our country. As a deputy sheriff, Pantano saw first hand the massive and detrimental impact illegal immigration has on our education system, our judicial system, and our health care system, not to mention the more than $2 billion illegal immigration costs the state of North Carolina each and every year.

Pantano is ready to go toe-to-toe with any liberal amnesty supporter who believes amnesty for illegal immigrants helps our State or our country in any way shape or form.
PantanoForCongress.com

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Pantano news conference focuses on immigration, Amnesty, and David Rouzer

Verne Strickland Blogmaster / November 30, 2011

While it was billed as a news conference, this Pantano for Congress event was more like a media smorgasboard -- three stories plus a Q&A packed into one fast-paced session before a phalanx of cameras and reporters.

          Johnson (l), Pantano

The session, focusing on illegal immigration and Amnesty, took place Wednesday at the conservative Republican’s Volunteer Office at Porter’s Neck.

Two of the stories were announcements of support by two of the nation’s largest advocacy groups for border security and enforcement of immigration laws.

                                                                 
Candidate Pantano said: “I am honored to receive the support of both ALIPAC and NCFIRE. Both of these groups do a great job here in NC and across the nation fighting against Amnesty, and fighting for the enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws. As the next Congressman from the Seventh District, I look forward to working with these groups to ensure that our Nation secures our borders, cracks down on illegal immigration, and never gives US citizenship away to someone who has entered our country illegally.”

James Johnson, founder and president of NCFIRE, was on hand to announce this group’s backing for Ilario Pantano, and both stood at the podium as Johnson delivered his statement:

“NCFIRE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and, as such, we cannot endorse political candidates, however, we strongly agree with Ilario Pantano’s stance against illegal immigration and against amnesty for illegal aliens.

 “We have determined that Ilario, a Marine veteran of two wars, is dedicated to the enforcement of our immigration laws and keeping our citizens safe.

 

“We cannot agree with Ilario’s opponent, David Rouzer, and his position of being a paid lobbyist and supporter of the AG Jobs Act, which would give amnesty to 3.3 millon illegal aliens.

“We encourage the citizens of North Carolina’s Seventh Congressional District to take a good look at Mr. Pantano’s position on illegal immigration when making their choice in the upcoming primary in May.”

A statement by William Gheen, president of ALIPAC was read to the media:

“ALIPAC is proud to endorse Conservative Republican Ilario Pantano in the race for North Carolina’s Seventh District. Pantano is the only candidate in the GOP primary that we know we can trust to stand firm against illegal immigration. 

“Ilario’s primary opponent, David Rouzer, likes to talk a good game about securing the border and fighting illegal immigration. However, his record shows that is not true. In reality, Rouzer has been a paid advocate for Amnesty for Illegals, working alongside such open border pro-Amnesty liberals like Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Diane Feinstein. Eighty percent of Americans agree that Rouzer is wrong on Amnesty and wrong for the Seventh District. A pro-Amnesty candidate like Rouzer is the last thing the Seventh District needs.”

Candidate Pantano also presented statistics documenting the financial burden that illegal immigration places on taxpayers in New Hanover County, North Carolina as a whole, and on U.S. Citizens:

“The total estimated cost for illegal immigrants in North Carolina exceeds $2.1 billion. That equates to an annual cost of about $388 per legal American household. There are currently 23 known illegal immigrants in the New Hanover County Correctional Center, costing roughly $639,866.00 per year. On the national level illegal immigration costs taxpayers $113 billion dollars annually. As U.S. citizens, we are not equipped to bear this burden, and we have to stop those who are taking advantage of us at tremendous cost.”