North Carolina Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson has hired a law firm to investigate allegations made in a CNN report claiming he made explicit racial and sexual posts on a pornography website's message board. Robinson has labeled these accusations as 'false smears' and is determined to uncover their origins.
Concerns among North Carolina Republicans have been raised following the report, with some suggesting that if Robinson fails to refute the claims promptly, the party should redirect its focus to other competitive races within the state. The Republican Governors Association has already withdrawn its support for Robinson, who has also seen several key campaign staffers resign in the aftermath of the report.
There is growing apprehension among GOP officials that Robinson's situation could have broader implications, potentially impacting the presidential race in the battleground state and jeopardizing the outcomes of other key seats on the ballot.
Robinson, a prominent figure within the state's conservative base and a potential historic first Black governor, has vehemently denied writing the controversial messages, which date back over a decade before his political career began. He has enlisted the Binnall Law Group to investigate the matter thoroughly and explore legal avenues to hold CNN accountable for what he perceives as falsehoods.
The CNN report detailed posts attributed to Robinson on a porn site's message boards, including references to himself as a 'black NAZI,' expressions of interest in transgender pornography, and controversial remarks about historical figures like Hitler and Martin Luther King Jr. Despite his denials, Robinson has faced criticism for past inflammatory comments on various social issues.
While Robinson has vowed to challenge CNN over the report, he has yet to provide concrete evidence to counter its claims. Calls for him to substantiate his defense have been made by prominent figures, including Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, who has questioned Robinson's suitability for the gubernatorial role.
The race for North Carolina governor remains contentious, with significant campaign spending from both sides. The Republican Governors Association and affiliated PACs have invested heavily in advertising, although recent developments have cast uncertainty over the future of these efforts.
As the deadline for candidate withdrawals has passed, the political landscape in North Carolina continues to evolve amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding Mark Robinson's candidacy.
