FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2010

contact: Tim Wilkes, 910-263-5247
tawilkes@atmc.net

Congressional District NC7 Candidacy Announcement

Today I would like to announce that I have decided against running as a candidate for U.S. Congress in the Seventh District. I would like to take a moment to thank the people of our District and the press for their hospitality, wisdom and allowing me the time to speak with them and understand their concerns.

Further I would like to announce that I am supporting Ilario Pantano's campaign due to his display of character, integrity and the respect he has shown me as a person and a candidate during this time.

We both agreed at the beginning that it would be beneath all of us, and hurt the Republican Party as a whole, to be active in a smear campaign against fellow Republicans or our Democrat opponent. We determined it would serve our country and our constituent’s best by running on the issues and the best solutions to solve our economy, national security, health care and education.

I look forward to helping Pantano in whatever place he thinks I can be an asset and working toward a victory for our district and the Republican Party in November; allowing us to take our nation back one seat at a time. Some thus far in this campaign have decided to take the low road of personal attacks and misinformation.

I can say I am leaving this race with my dignity and honor in place and thus pledge my support to Ilario Pantano for pursuing the cause of reputable conservative leadership for the Cape Fear region.

My thanks goes out to everyone for allowing me the honor of campaigning to represent you and I look forward to the future where I may be able to complete the race I have begun.