Mon Sep 23 13:13:12 UTC 2024: ## Top Staffers Abandon North Carolina Gubernatorial Candidate Mark Robinson Amid Pornographic Post Scandal
**Raleigh, NC** – The campaign of North Carolina Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, who is running for Governor, has been rocked by a string of resignations following a CNN report alleging that he made disturbing posts on a pornography website’s message board over a decade ago.
Senior adviser Conrad Pogorzelski III, campaign manager Chris Rodriguez, the campaign’s finance director, and the deputy campaign manager have all stepped down from their positions. Pogorzelski, who was previously Robinson’s chief of staff, also confirmed that additional staff members, including the deputy finance director, two political directors, and the director of operations, have also left the campaign.
The CNN report, published last week, uncovered posts attributed to Robinson, in which he referred to himself as a “black NAZI,” expressed a preference for transgender pornography, claimed he preferred Hitler over then-President Barack Obama, and harshly criticized the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Robinson has denied writing the posts, calling the allegations “salacious tabloid lies” and vowing to remain in the race. Despite the controversy, Robinson remains optimistic about his chances against Democratic nominee Josh Stein, the current Attorney General. However, polls show Robinson trailing Stein, and the scandal is likely to further complicate his path to victory.
The fallout from the scandal has extended beyond Robinson’s campaign, with some Republicans voicing concern. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, while acknowledging the allegations as “unnerving,” expressed support for Robinson’s right to defend himself. Graham stated that Robinson is “a political zombie if he does not offer a defense to this that’s credible,” but ultimately believes the issue won’t harm Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
Meanwhile, Democrats have seized on the opportunity to highlight the connection between Robinson and Trump, using billboards and advertisements to emphasize their ties and Robinson’s support for a statewide abortion ban without exceptions.
As the election draws nearer, the scandal surrounding Robinson will likely remain a major focus, with both sides intensifying their campaigns to sway voters in North Carolina, a key battleground state in the upcoming presidential election.
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