Ilario Pantano

Apparently shooting somebody in the front is okay:

"I said to all assembled, ‘Here is solid scientific evidence that these two Iraqis were shot from the front and not in their backs,'" he wrote in the letter. "Lt. Pantano is innocent."

Of course, this Doctor's letter of support leaves out the fact that Pantano had ordered the two Iraqis have their handcuffs removed just prior to him unloading two clips of ammo into their (unarmed) bodies. But since it was in the front, well...

Attend any legislative meeting at the NC General Assembly related to immigration or documentation of identity and you’ll likely find James Johnson in the front row, shoulder to shoulder with Ron Woodard of NC LISTEN and/or William Gheen of ALIPAC. Johnson, an advocate of Arizona style immigration controls, is President/Founder of North Carolinians For Immigration Reform & Enforcement (NCFIRE). Described variously as a non-profit organization, accepting tax deductible donations, and specifically as a 501(c)3 organization*, NCFIRE is curiously MIA when it comes to documentation of its own identity.

Homophobia and bible-thumping as fundraising tools:

Pantano, failed Republican candidate for North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District seat last year, along with Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center for Military Readiness, sat on a panel titled “How Political Correctness is Harming America’s Military.” Donnelly is an out-spoken critic of gays openly serving in the military, and Pantano has also opposed the repeal of “don’t ask don’t tell,” calling it “an issue that’s Biblically wrong.”

I'm pretty sure executing a couple of unarmed prisoners might be mentioned in that book, as well.

Speed-changing of clips will be graded:

The Star-News of Wilmington reported Tuesday that U.S. House candidate Ilario Pantano will hold a pistol match Sunday at a shooting range as he tries to raise funds for his campaign against incumbent Democrat Mike McIntyre.

Pantano is inviting anyone contributing $25 to show off their marksmanship in a timed target-shooting challenge. Donors who beat Pantano will get their money back.

Helpful hint: If Pantano asks you to climb inside a car to look for something, don't do it.

Sideshow Bob raises money for preppy warlord:

Kelsey Grammer, the star of the hit TV series “Frasier,” is coming to Wilmington early next week, but his visit is political, not theatrical.

Grammer will appear at fundraisers in Wilmington and Lumberton Monday for Republican Congressional candidate Ilario Pantano, Pantano confirmed Tuesday. He said the private fundraisers would be held at private homes, but would not disclose the locations.

Yawn...

Just when you think you've heard it all:

Pantano was charged with a capital crime for slaying two Iraqis during a raid in 2004 and hanging a sign over their bodies with a Marine slogan, "No better friend, no worse enemy." Ultimately cleared of the charges, Pantano went on to write a book about the experience. He hopes the notoriety will help him win the Republican nomination.

"This is my effort to turn a negative into a positive," Pantano told The Associated Press during a recent interview at his Wilmington home. "I think that the voters in this district will see a life story ... of a guy who has chosen to serve over personal gain."