Mon Sep 23 21:46:45 UTC 2024: ## North Carolina Gubernatorial Candidate Faces Backlash After Disturbing Online Comments Surface

**RALEIGH, NC** – North Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial nominee, Mark Robinson, is facing mounting pressure to withdraw from the race after a CNN investigation uncovered years of disturbing online comments attributed to him. The report detailed graphic sexual content and racially charged language, including Robinson referring to himself as a “black Nazi” and expressing attraction to watching women undressed.

Robinson initially denied the accusations, calling the report “salacious, false lies.” He vowed to sue CNN, stating he would “come after them full throttle.” However, in the same breath, he seemed to acknowledge the possibility of the comments being authentic, saying, “They want to talk about what possibly happened 15 years ago.”

This backtracking has further damaged Robinson’s campaign, which has already been plagued by controversy. Since the CNN report, eight members of his staff, including his campaign manager, have resigned. The Republican Governors Association has also pulled its funding from his campaign.

Robinson’s own party is distancing itself, with prominent Republican figures expressing concern and calling for his withdrawal. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) called the allegations “beyond unnerving” and said Robinson should step down if they are true. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) echoed this sentiment, adding that Robinson should either apologize or sue CNN for defamation.

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) went further, explicitly calling for Robinson to leave the race, stating that his comments were “outrageous, disgusting, [and] vile.”

The fallout has significantly impacted the race, with the Cook Political Report shifting the forecast for the North Carolina gubernatorial election from “leans Democrat” to “likely Democrat.”

Robinson is facing off against Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, who has been steadily gaining momentum in the polls. It remains to be seen if Robinson will stay in the race or succumb to the growing pressure from his party and voters.

Read More