Ilario Pantano, who lost the race for the Republican nomination in the 7th Congressional District, endorsed winner N.C. Sen. David Rouzer this morning.
“We cannot afford the luxury of hurt feelings or disappointment,” Pantano said in a message to supporters. “We were knocked down on May 8, but I ask that you get up and like me, brush yourself off and get back in the fight.”
Pantano, a former Marine and 2010 GOP nominee, launched a major attack against Rouzer during the primary campaign. For months, Pantano hammered Rouzer as being a career politician and lobbyist who lacked true conservative credentials.
On Wednesday, Pantano cited General Robert E. Lee, who he said didn’t want to surrender at the end of the Civil War, but did so for the good of the country.
Pantano said he contributed $25 to Rouzer’s campaign and encouraged supporters to do the same. He also contributed $25 to Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney and Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Pat McCrory.
“We must work to ensure David Rouzer is our next congressman, Pat McCrory is our next Governor and Mitt Romney is our next president,” Pantano said. “The arguments have been made and the verdict has been rendered. Will you join me in putting your country and your duty first?”
