Resignation Chaos within Mark Robinson’s Campaign for Governor
RALEIGH, N.C. — A wave of resignations has struck North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s campaign for governor, following alarming revelations from a recent CNN report. The report uncovered disturbing posts Robinson allegedly made on a pornographic website’s forum over a decade ago, resulting in significant fallout within his campaign team.
Key Staff Departures
In a news release issued on Sunday, Robinson’s campaign announced that several high-ranking officials, including senior adviser Conrad Pogorzelski III and campaign manager Chris Rodriguez, had quit their positions. The resignations also included the campaign’s finance director and the deputy campaign manager.
Pogorzelski, who played a pivotal role in Robinson’s election in 2020, confirmed that additional start staff members, including the deputy finance director and two political directors, had also left their posts. “I, along with others from the campaign, have left of our own accord,” Pogorzelski stated.
Alarming Allegations Rise
The CNN report, which surfaced last Thursday, revealed supposed comments Robinson made in which he referred to himself as a “black Nazi,” expressed a preference for Hitler over then-President Barack Obama in 2012, and made derogatory statements about the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
In defense of his campaign, Robinson denied posting any of the comments and rejected claims of being forced to drop out of the race. “I will not be driven out by salacious tabloid lies,” he asserted, opting to side-step the controversy in a recent campaign event at a Fayetteville racetrack.
Trump and Republican Support
Previously, Robinson had been a recurring presence at Donald Trump’s campaign rallies, where the former president praised him as “Martin Luther King on steroids” due to his dynamic speaking style. Despite the surrounding controversies, Robinson expressed belief in his campaign’s viability, claiming that polls have historically underestimated Republican support in North Carolina.
Criticism from Opponents
Democratic nominee Josh Stein, who currently serves as North Carolina’s attorney general, has leveled criticism towards Robinson, labeling him “utterly unqualified” for the governor role. Stein promised to mobilize resources to prevent Robinson from gaining office.
Comments from Republican Leaders
In the aftermath of the alarming allegations, Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham acknowledged the tumult within Robinson’s campaign. He stated on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that Robinson deserves the opportunity to defend his claims, labeling the allegations as “unnerving.” Graham emphasized that if the allegations hold truth, Robinson would be unfit for office, contrasting this with a potential defamatory case if the allegations are false.
