Mon Sep 23 00:51:36 UTC 2024: ## Mass Exodus from Robinson’s Campaign Following Racist, Sexually Explicit Posts

**Raleigh, NC** – In a dramatic turn of events, the campaign of North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, the Republican nominee for governor, is facing a major crisis after a CNN report revealed racist and sexually explicit comments attributed to him on a pornography forum. The report, published Thursday, has led to the resignation of nearly the entire campaign staff.

Four top staffers, including General Consultant Conrad Pogorzelski, Campaign Manager Chris Rodriguez, Finance Director Heather Whillier, and Deputy Campaign Manager Jason Rizk, announced their departure in a campaign news release. However, WUNC has confirmed that numerous other staff members have also quit, leaving Robinson with just three individuals – two spokesmen and a bodyguard – remaining on his team.

The departures include longtime Director of Operations Patrick Riley and Political Directors John Kontoulas and Jackson Lohrer.

While Robinson claims he did not author the offensive posts, the report details a user named “Mark Robinson” with personal biographical details and an email address matching the current gubernatorial candidate, making the allegations credible. The posts, dating back to 2008-2012, include hateful language, calling for the reinstatement of slavery, celebrating violence against minorities, and expressing a fondness for transgender pornography.

Despite Robinson’s denials, other Republicans have distanced themselves from him. President Donald Trump, who held a rally in Wilmington on Saturday, made no mention of Robinson during his speech, despite acknowledging the GOP nominee for Attorney General, Congressman Dan Bishop.

With the election less than two months away, Robinson faces a significant challenge in rebuilding his campaign team. Finding experienced replacements on such short notice will be a difficult task, especially given the controversy surrounding the allegations.

While Robinson expressed gratitude to his departing staff, he remains optimistic about his chances, citing polls that underestimate Republican support in North Carolina. However, the scandal has cast a shadow over his campaign, raising serious questions about his candidacy and the future of his political ambitions.

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