NEWS RELEASE - Former Vice Chairman of the Tea Party Express, Deborah Johns, announced her endorsement of Mike McIntyre for Congress, citing Ilario Pantano's dangerous behavior and concerning judgment in Iraq. Johns is the mother of a Marine who has served 3 tours of duty in Iraq. Pantano was charged with two counts of murder for shooting upwards of 60 rounds into unarmed men in Iraq. While there wasn't enough evidence for a criminal conviction, the presiding officer recommended non-judicial punishment and the presiding officer said Pantano's actions were "morally and ethically wrong."

"Ilario Pantano may have served in the Marines but he certainly doesn't share the values and judgment that you'd expect from a Marine running for Congress, said Deborah Johns. I may not agree with Mike McIntyre on everything but I know he's a good, honest man whose judgment we can trust. I've dedicated my time to working hard for the members of armed forces and refuse to see that undone by electing someone with questionable morals and ethics. I've been a lifelong advocate of our soldiers' right to defend themselves, but actions like those Pantano took put even more soldiers at risk. His dangerous actions and questionable judgment make him unfit to be a member of Congress. As a tea party leader and military families advocate, it isn't easy for me to endorse a candidate against a self-described conservative who served in the armed services - but Mr. Pantano's actions give me no choice."

Johns has previously sat on the boards of Combat Veterans for Congress and Move America Forward.