NC Governor Race Rocked by Candidate's Alleged Controversial Comments

In a startling development that has sent shockwaves through North Carolina's political landscape, Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for governor, finds himself at the center of a controversy that threatens to upend the upcoming election. The African American politician, currently serving as the state's lieutenant governor, has vehemently denied allegations of making inflammatory comments on a pornography website, as reported by CNN.

The controversy erupts just 47 days before the November 5, 2024, gubernatorial election, where Robinson is set to face off against Democratic candidate Josh Stein, the state's attorney general. This race holds significant implications for North Carolina, a state with a rich history dating back to its admission as the 12th state of the Union on November 21, 1789.

According to the CNN report, Robinson allegedly made a series of controversial posts between 2008 and 2012, including one from October 2010 that stated:

"Slavery is not bad. Some people need to be slaves. I wish they would bring it (slavery) back. I would certainly buy a few."

[[Alleged post by Mark Robinson]]

Robinson swiftly responded to the allegations, releasing a video statement on social media before the CNN story was published. He categorically denied the accusations, labeling them as "salacious tabloid lies" and affirming his commitment to remain in the race.

The controversy has potential ramifications beyond the state level. North Carolina, known for its diverse geography spanning from the coastal plains to the Great Smoky Mountains, is considered a crucial battleground in the upcoming presidential election. The outcome of the gubernatorial race could influence voter turnout and enthusiasm, potentially swaying the contest between Democratic incumbent Kamala Harris and Republican challenger Donald Trump.

Josh Stein's campaign wasted no time in responding to the allegations, issuing a statement that questioned Robinson's fitness for office. The Democratic candidate has previously highlighted Robinson's controversial statements in television attack ads, focusing on building what his campaign calls "a safer, stronger North Carolina for everyone."

The situation has also drawn attention from other political figures. U.S. Representative Richard Hudson, a fellow Republican, expressed concern over the allegations and suggested that Robinson needed to do more to reassure voters of his innocence.

As the controversy unfolds, it's worth noting that North Carolina law sets a strict deadline for candidate withdrawal. Robinson would have until 11:59 PM on September 20, 2024, to withdraw from the race, just hours before the state begins sending absentee ballots to military and overseas voters. If he were to withdraw, the state Republican Party's executive committee would be responsible for selecting a replacement.

This is not the first time Robinson has faced scrutiny for his statements. Prior to his political career, he reportedly questioned the Holocaust in Facebook posts and used derogatory language when discussing LGBTQ+ issues. These incidents, coupled with the current allegations, have raised questions about his suitability for the state's highest office.

As North Carolina, a state known for its contributions to aviation history and its thriving research and technology sectors, grapples with this political upheaval, the outcome of this controversy could have far-reaching consequences for both the state and national political landscape.