WILMINGTON, N.C., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former U.S. Marine Corps officer Ilario Pantano has officially filed with the North Carolina State Board of Elections, qualifying the conservative Republican candidate to run for the United States Congressional seat presently held by Democratic incumbent Mike McIntyre. The 7th District seat has been occupied by the incumbent since 1996 and has been held by the Democratic Party for the past 110 years. However, in recent years the District has begun to lean more toward Republicans in State and National elections.
"My campaign to promote Job creation and stimulate the economy, protect the homeland, and preserve conservative values in government is resonating with true conservatives of all stripes. The fact that we have achieved financial commitments from supporters totaling over $100,000 before we even officially filed speaks volumes to the excitement and opportunity ahead. No other challenger for this seat has produced that level of support in the past three years, combined."
Pantano continued, "This is important because for 14 years the Democrat incumbent has shut out Republican challengers 2-to-1, despite the district being carried by Bush (56%) and McCain (52%). The conservative minded electorate has not trusted anyone else with their money or their vote until now." Further, the campaign has recently received the endorsement of former N.C. Republican Party Chairman and active political strategist Jack Hawke as well as numerous other party notables.
Pantano, a former New Hanover County Deputy Sheriff, decorated Marine Corps combat veteran of three wars, film producer and best-selling author, believes he represents the principled conservative solution to the faltering job markets and struggling small businesses of North Carolina's Cape Fear region.
Pantano's website, PantanoForCongress.com <http://grasstopconcepts.com/e/8543/t.php?b=2&c=2&[email protected]&p=http://pantanoforcongress.com> , launched with a '100 days of Work' series focusing on the critical issues of jobs and the economy. "In a constant video diary and DVD, we turn to the free market of ideas for the solutions to create wealth, not re-distribute it," says Pantano.
Pantano added "My Sheriff once said that I have a 'Service Heart.' I'd say I prefer to be where the rubber meets the road. Washington needs more doers and less talkers. My range of life experiences in small business, on Wall Street, as a Marine, as a best selling communicator and ultimately as a New Hanover County Deputy Sheriff positions me to offer the first real challenge for this seat in over 100 years."
Pantano and his wife Jill are residents of Wilmington, NC where they have lived, worked and raised their two young sons since Pantano's return from duty in Iraq and honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps.
Photograph available for download here <http://grasstopconcepts.com/e/8543/t.php?b=2&c=2&[email protected]&p=http://grasstopconcepts.com/e/8543/portrait_Ilario_Pantano.jpg>
Learn more about Ilario Pantano, visit: www.PantanoForCongress.com <http://grasstopconcepts.com/e/8543/t.php?b=2&c=3&[email protected]&p=http://pantanoforcongress.com>
Follow Pantano for Congress: <http://www.facebook.com/pantanoforcongress> <http://twitter.com/ilariopantano>
Paid for by Pantano For North Carolina
SOURCE Pantano for Congress
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