Four senior staff members on Mark Robinson’s campaign for North Carolina governor have resigned just weeks before the election. This comes after the Republican candidate faced backlash for alleged salacious posts on a pornographic website. The resignations, announced on Sunday, include key figures like general consultant Conrad Pogorzelski III, campaign manager Chris Rodriguez, finance director Heather Whillier, and deputy campaign manager Jason Rizk.
Robinson Denies Allegations, Remains Defiant
Robinson, who is currently North Carolina’s lieutenant governor, denied making the controversial posts but has faced significant pressure in the wake of the scandal. Despite the mounting challenges, Robinson vowed to stay in the race, asserting that polls have “consistently underestimated Republican support.” He also stated that a large portion of voters remain undecided.
The scandal comes at a critical time as absentee ballots are set to be widely distributed this week. The campaign has yet to announce who will fill the roles left vacant by the departing staff.
Campaign Struggles as Polls Show Robinson Trailing
Polling in recent weeks has shown Robinson trailing by double digits behind Democrat Josh Stein, the state’s attorney general. Stein’s campaign has gained significant momentum, while Robinson’s path to victory appears increasingly narrow. According to Republican insiders, Robinson’s chances of winning the governorship are now considered slim.
The controversy stems from reports revealing Robinson’s alleged involvement with explicit posts on the pornographic site “Nude Africa,” where he reportedly made inappropriate comments. Robinson denied the allegations, claiming that he never made the posts or signed up for an account on Ashley Madison, a site for extramarital affairs.
Campaign Spending Drying Up
The financial struggles of Robinson’s campaign are also becoming apparent. Stein’s campaign has already reserved over $13 million in television ads, while a super PAC tied to the Republican Governors Association has only allocated $397,000 for Robinson. The Republican Governors Association has not commented on whether it will continue supporting Robinson moving forward.
Even former President Donald Trump, who previously endorsed Robinson during the Republican primary, did not mention him during a recent rally in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Conclusion: A Campaign in Crisis
With key staff resignations, financial challenges, and a lingering scandal, Mark Robinson’s gubernatorial bid is on shaky ground. As the election draws closer, Robinson’s campaign faces an uphill battle to regain momentum and credibility.
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