VOTE 2010: Palin endorses Pantano

WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) — Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is endorsing North Carolina congressional candidate Ilario Pantano.

Palin said in a Facebook post Tuesday that Pantano would be a strong voice for veterans and active-duty military. Pantano is locked in a closely watched campaign against Democratic Rep. Mike McIntyre in the 7th District in southeastern North Carolina.

Pantano is a Marine veteran who re-enlisted into the military after Sept. 11. He was later charged with murder for actions in Iraq, but those charges were eventually dropped.