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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.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

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

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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NC RALLY BACKS CHRISTIAN PRAYER AT PUBLIC MEETINGS. AMEN -- AND AMEN.

Verne Strickland Blogmaster

Asha Dave AP on Sat, 03/24/2012 - 9:42am.

WALKERTOWN, NC (AP) -- A rally to protest federal court decisions against religion-specific prayers at public meetings is being held in the North Carolina county where the dispute began.

Organizers of the Taking Back Our Freedom rally say the Saturday event in Walkertown is aimed at a 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that prohibited Forsyth County commissioners from beginning their meetings with prayers from a particular religion.

In January, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by the commission, leaving the ruling in force. So-called sectarian prayers, almost always of the Christian variety, have been common at county and town meetings and during meetings of the General Assembly in North Carolina.

Rowan County commissioners have said they'll continue having Christian prayers, despite warnings from the American Civil Liberties Union.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)