Renee Ellmers backs David Rouzer in GOP primary

U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers waded into an intra-party fight Wednesday, endorsing state Sen. David Rouzer in the 7th Congressional district primary. 

Rouzer faces Ilario Pantano, the GOP's nominee in 2010, in a contest to determine who will face Democratic Congressman Mike McIntyre in November. 

"In the state Senate, David proved he wasn't afraid to take on critical issues like reforming the state's burdensome regulatory system, cutting excessive government spending from the state budget and protecting North Carolinians from Obamacare," Ellmers said in a statement. "David was a leader in the state Senate, and he will be a great addition to our North Carolina delegation."

Rouzer also has endorsements from other key GOP leaders, including Senate President Phil Berger and House Speaker Thom Tillis. The district stretches from the coast to Johnston County outside Raleigh.