ONLY ON 3: McIntyre’s staffer calls opponent “crazy,” “shaky,” “schizophrenic” and “not all there”

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — During Rep. Mike McIntyre’s jobs summit today, one of the Congressman’s staffers made some interesting comments to us.

After he saw Del Pietro, a Democrat who plans to challenge McIntyre in the primary, talking to our crew, McIntyre’s economic development director Tony McEwen pulled them aside.

Mcewen told us Pietro is “crazy,” “shaky,” “schizophrenic” and “not all there.”

Pietro says McEwen is trying to destroy his reputation because he knows he is a serious contender to beat the Congressman.

“I think average folks like us should be able to run for public office without having to endure dirty politics,” Pietro said. “Quite frankly this is exactly what the folks in this Congressional district and across America are exhausted by. Our political system can be very dirty, and this is clearly and indication of that.”

When asked about McEwen’s comments, McIntyre’s Chief of Staff said in an e-mail to WWAY, “(A)ny comments Tony McEwen made with regard to the subject manner you referenced were not authorized by, nor reflective of, this office.”

When asked if he, the Congressman or McEwen would like a chance to talk on camera or by phone about what was said and Pietro’s reaction, Mitchell e-mailed back, “We have no further comment. Thanks.”