Ex-Marine turned NC House hopeful raises $200K

A North Carolina Republican running for the U.S. House says he has raised almost $200,000 from grass roots supporters in his bid to unseat seven-term Democratic Rep. Mike McIntyre.

GOP nominee Ilario Pantano said Thursday that his campaign raised more than $211,720 during the second quarter, out earning McIntyre by almost 2-to-1. McIntyre raised $114,119. Pantano said most of McIntyre’s contributions came from special interest groups, while much of his contributions came from individual supporters. Pantano has raised $320,930 since entering the race in January.

“These fundraising numbers clearly show that momentum is on our side,” Pantano said. “The citizens are fed up, they are voting early and they are doing it with their pocket books… The American people are tired of status quo politicians.”

Pantano is taking on McIntyre in North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District.

McIntyre’s campaign issued a statement Thursday evening saying the election is about his record and service in the district. The campaign also said nearly 60 percent of his campaign contributions came from individuals across southeastern North Carolina, while much of Pantano’s money came from outside the district and the state.

“In addition, the Congressman is honored to accept the support of folks like the homebuilders, realtors, teachers, farmers, nurses, etc.,” McIntyre’s campaign said. “Our opponent calls all those that work in these businesses that drive our local economy “special interests” – when they in actuality are the hardworking people of our district.”

Pantano, who was charged with a capital crime for killing two Iraqis during a raid in 2004 but later cleared of the charges, defeated 2008 GOP nominee Will Breazeale for the GOP nomination.

McIntyre beat Breazeale by a more than 2-to-1 margin in the 2008 election.

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