WILMINGTON, N.C., Jan. 28 (UPI) -- A former U.S. Marine officer acquitted of killing two Iraqis announced Thursday he is a candidate for Congress in North Carolina. Ilario Pantano plans to seek the Republican nomination in the seventh district, now represented by Democrat Mike McIntyre, WECT-TV in Wilmington reported.
"Anybody's background in a political race is fair game," Pantano said. "My life has been more dramatic and kinetic than any other candidate's."
After his acquittal five years ago, Pantano wrote a memoir, "Warlord." He has also been a commodity trader for Goldman Sachs.
Will Breazeale, who was defeated by McIntyre two years ago, is also running in the May primary. He said he thinks Pantano's past will help McIntyre, that the Democrats "will have a field day with it."
"That's why I continue to believe I'm the best and strongest candidate who has the best chance of beating McIntyre," he said.